In my opinion a group begins to become a cult when they start trying to isolate their members from people who aren't in the group/cult.
Although, I think the technical definition has something to do with having an ideology very far outside the mainstream.
I'm less sure as to why I tend to use this definition. Perhaps it is because social isolation is a very clear cut definition, as opposed to some of the more complex and subjective social undertones that one may use. (What is mainstream culture and thus what is opposed to it). It also prevents me from leaning too heavily on my, admittedly strong, opinions about desirable social behavior.
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branchandroot
(no subject)
Date: 2006-08-26 02:41 am (UTC)Although, I think the technical definition has something to do with having an ideology very far outside the mainstream.
I'm less sure as to why I tend to use this definition. Perhaps it is because social isolation is a very clear cut definition, as opposed to some of the more complex and subjective social undertones that one may use. (What is mainstream culture and thus what is opposed to it). It also prevents me from leaning too heavily on my, admittedly strong, opinions about desirable social behavior.