Key Question: Can Social Psychology Explain Cult Behaviour?

Question 1

What is a cult (AO1)?

Answer 1

A religious veneration/devotion towards a figure of object

Question 2

What are the characteristic behaviours of a cult (AO1)?

Answer 2

• Following a strong leader
• Demonstrate complete loyalty to the leader
• Don’t question the leader

Question 3

Give an example of a cult (AO1)?

Answer 3

The Mansons

Question 4

Why is it important to know about cults (AO1)?

Answer 4

Because they may be dangerous as they indoctrinate people which may pose a threat to its members and outsiders

Question 5

How can agency theory explain cult behaviour (AO2)?

Answer 5

Those forced into cults because of family/friends etc. may feel moral strain and reluctance in the cult yet obey and remain loyal

Question 6

How can social impact theory explain cult behaviour (AO2)?

Answer 6

If the cult leader is strong, close and has a large number of followers an individual is more likely to obey them

Question 7

How can social identity theory explain cult behaviour (AO2)?

Answer 7

The cult (in-group) is prejudiced to others (out-group) and so disassociate with them/are prejudiced towards them

Question 8

How can realistic conflict theory explain cult behaviour (AO2)?

Answer 8

The cult may be in competition with outsiders for status, resources etc. so are prejudiced towards them

Question 9

Give 2 pieces of supporting evidence for this question (2 social studies)

Answer 9

Bromley - Studied the Unification Church and found only 5% were still working with them 1 year later

Saliba - 90% of those who joined the Unification Church dropped out before the end of the training programme

Question 10

What other pieces of evidence could be used as AO3?

Answer 10

Social studies such as Milgram (supports agency theory)