Cult Conformity
Introduction
When we read headlines about cult groups and their often devastating effects on their members, we may wonder, "How can anybody be so crazy as to join that group?" We convince ourselves, using self-serving bias, that we could never be lured into such a dangerous situation. The truth is, however, that people are strongly motivated by social influences, and sometimes the strength of a social group and the influences of the environment result in rational individuals choosing unhealthy associations. The Influence At Work Web site states that your self-serving bias may actually make you more susceptible to being deceived by a cult. Go to their Web site to find out why and to investigate how cults are organized.
Destination Title: Working Psychology
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Directions
- Start at the Working Psychology Web site. Click on “Introduction to Influence”
- Click on the "Cults" topic. Follow the links to view the entire topic.
- Browse through the site, taking notes as you go.
Read through the information, and then answer the following questions.
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1. How does a cult use de-individuation and conformity to its advantage?
2. How does the cult leader obtain obedience?
3. How are group decisions made in a cult?
4. What is the purpose of all cults?
5. Cults share some of the same characteristics as healthy groups, such as interdependence and shared goals, norms, and ideology, but vital differences make cults dangerous, and sometimes even fatal. On a separate sheet of paper, compare the characteristics of cults to those of healthy groups using a chart similar to the example shown below.
Purpose
Recruitment
Commitment
Decision Making
Leader
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