Controlling Cultism In Our Society JSS3 Social Studies Lesson Note

MEANING OF CULTISM

This is an act of being in a secret cult (most especially in an educational institution) whereby the group members uphold the same beliefs, ideologies, interests, etc. Members of secret cults are often in the possession of dangerous weapons.

Cultism is anti-social behaviour which is a deviant act. It is at variance with established norms of behaviour. It is a non-conforming behaviour that usually contravenes the social rules of an institution in particular and society in general. Cult activities were first noticed at the University of Ibadan (then University College) in 1952.

 CAUSES OF CULTISM 

1. Lack of parental care: Some parents are too busy to cater to their children, which gives the children the liberty to join any group they want.
2. Greed: This could be over ambition to possess material things or to be in control.
3. Peer group influence: People who are not confident of themselves or who like moving with the crowd will easily be lured into cultism.
4. Academic failure: Some academically weak students could, through cultism force lecturers to award marks to them.
5. External support: Some people pose as godfathers to the cultists. They always give them money and implore them to do wrong things for them.
6. Unemployment: This brings about insecurity in the bid to obtain the good things of life. They could go to any length.