It is often believed that women are oppressed and exploited by the charismatic male leaders of new religious movements. This book exposes the abuse of power within some movements, but also demonstrates that there is more evidence of fulfilment and empowerment. Most members of NRMs are intelligent and well educated, and new religions often provide value systems, emotional and spiritual experience lacking elsewhere in society. This book explores the social and spiritual issues, tracing developments from the 1960s counter-culture to 1990s Goddess spirituality, and culminating in a new typology of religious needs and values.