Key question Flashcards
(8 cards)
What is the key question?
How can we use our knowledge of psychology to understand why people join cults?
What is a cult?
An organised group who follow extreme religious beliefs
How can cults negatively impact society?
They target vulnerable people and brainwash them into following their beliefs and practices
How are members affected?
They become socially and financially dependent on the group leader - often encouraged to donate to the cult and stop talking to those who are not in their cult
Example of a cult?
The Peoples Temple - Jim Jones:
Government was concerned for cults actions and so they flew over to investigate - they were all shot before Jones instructed over 900 members to drink a drugged drink that would kill them - he then shot himself
How are cults harmful and dangerous (Jim Jones)?
Cause brainwashing, abuse and death
How does social identity theory link to cults?
Vulnerable members of society may want to boost their self esteem and develop a social identity which joining a group may do for them. If the cult leader claims to have similar beliefs to the individual, they may categorise themselves as a part of the in group and feel connected to the leader
How does agency theory link to cults?
Cult leaders usually have an authoritarian personality where they can promote their aims and ideas. They target vulnerable individuals as they are seen as weaker and therefore easier to influence joining the cult. Followers have then been through the agentic shift and in the agentic state
