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's Temple, and with that had all the power of the organization. In our society we are taught to obey authority, Jones knew this and used it to his advantage. With the majority of his people coming from less than perfect backgrounds, most were grateful for the sense of community he provided and the stable life style they were given. He was able to hold that over their heads as well. Followers of Jones were eventually subjected to forms of abuse such as sleep and food deprivation and physical and mental abuse. Once these tactics were used, the people became more obedient for fear of repeat abuse. Jones also used surveillance to control the members. No one knew who might be a spy among them, causing mistrust of others and further obedience. After he'd moved them to Jonestown, he also convinced them that most of the world was against them and meant to do them harm. In doing this, he made his people fear leaving and become grateful for his protection.
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