An Investigation into the Tragedy of the Peoples Temple in Jonestown

  • Kirandeep Kaur Dogra Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Keywords: Cultural Psychology, Counseling, Cults

Abstract

On November 18, 1978, over 900 people from Jonestown died by ingesting cyanide laced Kool-Aid, marking this day as the largest mass suicide to ever occur in modern history. Jim Jones, a charismatic and manipulative leader, recruited people of lower socioeconomic status and used them for personal gain. While members of the Peoples Temple described Jonestown as a utopia, evidence has portrayed how their behaviours reflect a counter-culture. The adversities experienced by members of the Peoples Temple is conclusive: Jonestown strongly resembled the characteristics of a cult. Social, psychological, and cultural ramifications following this mysterious tragedy of the Jonestown massacre are examined. 

Published
2020-07-31
Section
Analytical Papers