How does one define control? Webster’s dictionary defines control as “to exercise restraining or directing influence over” or to regulate and rule. (Merriam-Webster’s p. 252) There are many methods of control used by people and organizations. Propaganda and persuasion are two methods of exerting influence over an individual or group of people. A more systematic and powerful method of persuasion is coercive persuasion.

“Coercive persuasion and thought reform are alternate names for programs of social influence capable of producing substantial behavior and attitude change through the use of coercive tactics, persuasion, and/or interpersonal and group-based influence manipulations “(Ofshe, p. 222)

A coercive persuasion program is a behavioral change technology applied to cause the "learning" and "adoption" of a set of behaviors or an ideology under certain conditions. Coercive persuasion is not a religious ritual, it is a control device. Through coercive persuasion, a more powerful method of control can be applied. This type of persuasion is typically applied by cults but is not limited to them. (Dolan 2000; Singer 1987)

There is instinctive human need to belong to a gro

Once a social reality is shaped, the disciple is given a group identity. Through this new identity, the member can associate with other followers and discriminate against outsiders. A fear is created of what’s outside the cult. The outsiders are viewed as evil and make members feel good about belonging to the group. This unifies cult members to have a shared belief system and maintain a high level of social consistency and cohesiveness. Cults offer the allure of an ordered world that is easily understood. Members are strongly influenced by the group's behavioral norms. (Schein 1961; Pratkanis and Aronson 1992)

The coercive psychological influence of these programs aims to overcome the individual's critical thinking abilities and free will - apart from any appeal to informed judgment. Victims gradually lose their ability to make independent decisions and exercise informed consent. Their critical thinking, defenses, cognitive processes, values, ideas, attitudes, conduct and ability to reason are undetermined by a technological process rather than by free choice, rationality, or the natural merit or value of the ideas or propositions being presented. (Schein 1961; Singer 1987) Their thoughts become isolated and controlled.

Next, the leader’s credibility and charisma is established. There is no appeal outside of his or her system to greater systems of justice. The cult's leader is presented to be charismatic, determined, and domineering. Sometimes the leader is the role model for other members. Other times the leader performs actions that no other member would dare. Through propaganda and persuasion, the leader convinces followers to drop their families, jobs, careers, and friends to follow them. The cult becomes more of a priority then family and friends. The leader claims to be breaking with tradition, offering something novel, and instituting the only viable system for change that will solve life's problems or the world's ills. (Schein 1961; Pratkanis and Aronson 1992) The leader’s actions and words are supported by the faithful members. With the support, the leader can influence members to perform duties for the so called good of the cult.

When a person is subjected to such a systematic process s

Some topics in this essay:
Pratkanis Aronson, COERCIVE PERSUASION, Encyclopedia Psychology, Jones Jones, coercive persuasion, pratkanis aronson, singer 1987, pratkanis aronson 1992, aronson 1992, 2000 singer 1987, dolan 2000 singer, 2000 singer, cult leaders, dolan 2000, schein 1961, social reality, outside cult, singer 1987 pratkanis, pratkanis aronson 242,