someone or something that has become very popular with a particular group of people: the cult of celebrity.
a particular system of religious belief:
cult of the Hindu cult of Shiva
a religious group, often living together, whose beliefs are considered extreme or strange by many people: religious cult Their son ran away from home and joined a religious cult.
SOURCE: Cambridge Dictionary
The context in which the word cult is used is often enough for people to decipher the correct meaning. Other times, confusion arises when the term is applied to destructive groups are not a religion, or non harmful religious groups bare the brunt of negativity.
As with many words in the English language, the inconsistency of the definition of the word cult boils down to morphological changes. Looking at the etymology of the word, it can be noted that its originally usage was a benign reference to any group that had a shared a common devotion, however, over time it began to pick up negative connotations.
My personal solution to this dilemma is to think in terms of cults as being subcategorised into "cults" in terms of having a "Big C" or "Little c" cults. The idea behind defining cults in this manner is inspired by trauma being definable as "Big T" and "Little t". The following explores these distinctions which, in turn, can provide a clearer understanding of how cults operate and affect individuals and society.
Big C Cults
"Big C" cults refer to highly organised groups with significant control over their members. These groups often have a charismatic leader who demands absolute loyalty and obedience. Key features of Big C cults include:
- Authoritative Leadership: A central figure who holds absolute authority and allows no room for dissent. The leader is often viewed as infallible or divinely inspired.
- Control Over Information: The group controls access to information, often censoring external sources and creating an echo chamber that reinforces the leader's narrative.
- Deception and Indoctrination: Recruitment often involves misleading claims and withholding critical information. Members are subjected to systematic indoctrination to align their beliefs with the group's ideology.
- Exploitation: Members may be exploited in multiple ways, including financially, physically, and emotionally. This can include forced labor, financial donations, and even more extreme forms of exploitation.
- Isolation and Fear: Cults often isolate members from outside influences, creating a strong "us vs. them" mentality. Fear and intimidation are used to maintain control and prevent members from leaving.
Examples of Big C cults include well-known groups like the People's Temple, led by Jim Jones, or The Family, led by Anne Hamilton-Byrne. These groups are often associated with tragic outcomes, including mass suicides and severe exploitation.
Little c Cults
"Little c" cults, may still be concerning, however, they are typically less extreme and less controlling than Big C cults. These groups may have some cult-like characteristics but do not exert the same level of control over their members. Features of Little c cults include:
- Low to Moderate Leadership Control: The leadership may have influence but does not hold absolute authority. Members have some input in decision-making processes.
- Selective Information Control: Access to information may be somewhat restricted, but members are not completely isolated from external sources.
- Low to Mild Deception: Recruitment might involve some exaggeration or omission of information, but not to the extent seen in Big C cults. Indoctrination is less systematic and intense.
- Limited Exploitation: Exploitation may occur, but it is typically less severe and less widespread.
- Social Pressure: There may be a strong sense of community and social pressure to conform, but fear and intimidation tactics are less prevalent.
Examples of Little c cults might include the cult following of Apple products, or devotion to an online gaming syndicate.
Cults in General
Cults from both categories don't just apply to religious organisations or popular followings. The terms can be applied to any group. Thus, extends to multi-level marketing (MLM), self-help groups, sporting clubs, or political based communities. These groups may or may not be harmful depending on the level of control executed by the leadership, or to put it another way, the amount of personal freedom and autonomy individuals have.
Summing up how to understand cults
Understanding the distinctions between Big C and Little c cults is crucial for recognising the varied ways these groups can impact individuals and society. While Big C cults are often more dramatic and severe in their control, Little c cults, while more benign may still cause significant harm through more subtle means. By educating ourselves and supporting those affected, we can work towards a society where individuals are free to think, choose, and live without fear of manipulation and exploitation.
For more in-depth insights on how coercive control can be identified in any group, see Renée's Cult Ranking System.
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