This book investigates the social and psychological processes involved in recruitment and conversion to new religious movements, specifically focusing on the Unification Church of the United States.

Eileen Barker's "The Making of a Moonie" is widely regarded as a seminal sociological study of new religious movements. It is praised for its detailed ethnographic approach and its balanced perspective on the conversion process within the Unification Church. The book is often cited for its contribution to understanding the dynamics of cults and the experiences of their members. Scholars frequently reference its nuanced analysis of both the appeal of such movements and the societal responses they elicit.