PSY 240 Jonestown

Jonestown

A settlement in Guyana, led by Jim Jones, where a mass suicide occurred.

Jim Jones

Leader of the Settlement of People’s Temple.

Conformity, why people conformed to Jim Jones

Matching attitude and behavior to the group norm. Many individuals stayed
in Jonestown and committed suicide willingly because Jones eliminated resistance and rebellion using persuasive and threatening tactics

Compliance, how it showed in the Jonestown case

Going along with an explicit request. Jim Jones ensured compliance
through threat and fear.

how did Jim Jones threaten the members?

Defectors were ostracized and scapegoated. Jim Jones blamed them for any
problems the congregation had. They were threatened by harassment or death.

How did Jim Jones respond to Dissent from a member?

Jim Jones eliminated disagreement, split up families (removed children from
parents), limited support and information in Jonestown.

How did Jim Jones Persuade people to join the temple?

Most members were those neglected by society. Jim Jones initially treated
them very warmly and provided food and shelter to persuade them to join. Members
received healings, food, shelter, and a community to be a part of.

Foot-in-the-door Technique

Members made their own decision to join, and Jones
gradually increased his demands, causing members to slowly become more committed to
the congregation. In modern day, the Church of Scientology did something similar by
increasing time and monetary commitments as members became more involved.

Cults (in comparison with religions)

Do not offer alternatives, deny access to new or
different information, and responsibility is assumed by the group of leader