There are several characteristics needed to make a total institution. Three of the ones present in Jonestown were as follows: isolation, comprehensive re-socialization, and exercise of complete control over the members. For the most part, the People’s Temple was fairly insular. While they did have contact with people outside of the Temple, it was limited and they were very secretive. When looking at the idea of comprehensive re-socialization, just like at how the lives of the members changed. They were trained to give everything to the Temple, and to be suspicious of all outsiders, for fear that outsiders would disapprove of and damage their way of life. Finally, look at the control Jim Jones exerted over the members. He controlled everything, from where they lived to if they drank or had intimate relationships to if they lived or died. …show more content…
As mentioned before, Jim Jones used methods such as isolation and complete control over the members. In addition to these, he used tactics like manipulation, terror, and brainwashing. He manipulated the people into believing his way was the best way and the only way to achieve peace. Based on the video, the people were genuinely afraid of Jim Jones. For example, listen to the story of Deborah Layton, the woman he raped. Listen to all of the other people, who say they thought they were in too deep and were afraid to leave. Fear was one of his greatest tactics. Another tactic he was fond of was brainwashing his members. He constantly inundated people with his propaganda, a tactic favored by Nazi Germany. He was able to convince people to knowingly drink poison and feed it to their own children, which is a terrifying example of the extent of his