KEY QUESTIOM Flashcards
What is a cult?
A religious group whose beliefs are considered extreme or strange by many.
What is the main purpose of a cult?
To dominate its members through psychological manipulation and pressure strategies.
How do cults typically isolate their members?
By encouraging them to segregate themselves from society.
What dangerous methods do cults use to maintain control over their members?
Deceptive and authoritarian methods to make members financially and socially dependent.
What is a key characteristic of cult leaders?
They are often powerful and charismatic.
True or False: Cults encourage members to maintain relationships with non-members.
False
What is the significance of the Peoples Temple?
An example of a cult led by Jim Jones that resulted in the deaths of over 900 members.
What psychological theory helps explain the attraction to cults?
Social Identity Theory.
Fill in the blank: Vulnerable members of society may seek a cult to develop a sense of _______.
social identity
What does the Agency Theory explain regarding cult members?
Why they blindly obey orders of cult leaders.
Who is an example of a cult leader that demonstrated authoritarian personality traits?
Rev Jim Jones.
What happens to cult members who perceive their leader as an authority?
They become agents of the leader’s instructions.
What is one way to prevent the coercion of cult members?
Educate members to be more autonomous.
What tragic event is associated with the Peoples Temple?
The mass suicide of over 900 members.
What role does self-esteem play in the attraction to cults?
Vulnerable individuals seek groups to boost their self-esteem.
True or False: Cults are generally open about their practices with non-members.
False
What is a common outcome for individuals who join cults?
They may become brainwashed and adhere to strict religious values and practices.
What can be a consequence of cults for vulnerable members of society?
Coercion, abuse, and potential death.
Fill in the blank: Cult members often cut themselves off from _______.
non-members
Why did the government fly over to investigate the Peoples temple
They were concerned about the cults actions and investigating reports of abuse. Jim Jones instructed the members to drink a cyanide drink. Jones then shot himslef
How can social impact theory be useful to prevent the affects of cults
With the help of others, if the followers of the cult out numbered the cult leaders then the social impact the leaders have would be reduced. It would reduce the strength of the social force that the cult leaders have.
