key question Flashcards
what is your key question?
how can social psychology explain cult behaviour?
what is a cult?
a social group that follows a living leader who often has absolute beliefs and values which can be dangerous
what is an example of a cult?
the Manson family
why is this a key issue?
there are over 500 active cults in the uk
what are some features of a cult?
they are often financially dependant on their leader and cannot make contact with family who are not part of the cult
how does agency theory apply?
cult members are in the agentic state
how does social impact theory apply?
strength can be seen as the cult leader is viewed as an authority figure
otoh - only one leader so numbers does not support this
how does social identity theory apply?
cult categorise themselves as part of an in-group and may show identification by all dressing the same
