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An estimated 5,000 economic, political, and religious groups operate in the United States alone at any given time, with 2.5 million members. Over the last ten years, cults have used tactics of coercive mind control to negatively impact an estimated 20 million victims in the last ten years. Worldwide figures are even greater.

Margaret Singer#3

CultsControlMargaret singerGroupsRiskSociologyStatistics

About this quote

What does it mean?
Many groups use coercive tactics to control millions of people.
In plain terms
Groups use mind control on millions.
What can you take from it?
Be wary of coercive groups.

Where it applies

  • identifying risky groups
  • researching organizations
  • helping victims

Putting it to work

  • research group tactics
  • support victims
  • educate others

Questions to consider

  • What defines a cult?
  • How widespread is this issue?

Another view

Estimates may vary depending on the definition of cult.

More from Margaret Singer

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