Traits
Cult Members
Despite the many stereotypes that cult members possess, they aren’t simply the 'gullible' or 'stupid' people that others make them out to be. There’s a few things that most members have in common:
- - Higher level of education
- - Weaker spiritual background
- - Financial stability/success
- - Young adults
- - More likely female than male
Most members get roped in when they’re in a vulnerable state. People who are younger, are usually more impressionable and trying to figure things out in the world as they gain independence. Having access to higher education while also having financial stability allows them to worry about more philosophical things while also being open to new ideas. Religious cults can get people little spiritual background because they don’t have a stance, it’s harder to convince someone to change their ideals.
Cult Leaders
As a note, these traits don’t necessarily make someone a cult leader, it’s just these traits are commonly found in cult leaders.
- - Charismatic
- - Authoritarian
- - Narcissistic tendencies
Their charisma can draw people in. Even if what they’re saying sounds weird, people will listen anyway. They also have a level of self-gratiosity, while they don’t have to be narcissists they do have enough confidence in themselves to lead a cult. By placing themselves on a pedestal, a power imbalance is formed. Their authoritarian personalities show how they usually abuse their power and keep control over their followers.