Jonestown: A Case Study in Social Psychology
Jonestown: A Case Study in Social Psychology When I first read of the events in Jonestown, I found it impossible to fathom how something like this could happen. It wasn't as if these people were captured and taken to a prison camp, they followed Jim Jones to Jonestown. After carefully studying the facts on conformity, obedience, and cognitive dissonance, I now understand how this tragedy occurred. First, lets look at the characteristics of much of his followers. Many were from low income backgrounds whose lives were tough, leaving them with a desire for belonging and security. Some were looking for a sense of community and acceptance. Alcoholics, drug addicts, and prostitutes looking for help and understanding also joined the group. Jim Jones had a reputation for standing up for social causes. This fact also drew people in. In the case of obedience, Jones was easily able to take control of his members. He was the leader of the People
Conformity was fairly easy to achieve. His people gave up their own beliefs in order to fit in with Jones' plan. No member wanted to be singled out for going against the group. Each individual believed that the others devoutly believed in everything Jim Jones said, and because of the conformity, went along with them even when they secretly questioned his motives. As far as cognitive dissonance is concerned, it was undoubtedly occurring at Jonestown. Once these tactics were used, the people became more obedient for fear of repeat abuse. They had achieved the sense of community they had wanted. In doing this, he made his people fear leaving and become grateful for his protection. He was able to hold that over their heads as well. 's Temple, and with that had all the power of the organization. The Jonestown tragedy is a perfect example of how obedience, conformity, and cognitive dissonance can negatively affect our lives and the lives of others. These people believed that they'd all be working together toward their socialist-like community for the rest of their lives. Jones' followers were not leading enchanted lives in Jonestown. In our society we are taught to obey authority, Jones knew this and used it to his advantage. " Also, even if they were working from sunrise to sunset, they could find enjoyment in that knowing their village was a success because of all their hard work.
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