Yes, coercive tactics often involve establishing control over a person’s social environment, time, and sources of social support. This control is exerted to manipulate and influence the individual, making them more susceptible to the coercive person or group’s demands and suggestions. Here’s how coercive tactics can be used to establish such control:
- Isolation: Coercive tactics often isolate individuals from their friends, family, or any external support system that may provide alternative perspectives or assistance. By cutting off social connections, the coercive person or group can create a sense of dependency on themselves and control the information and interactions the individual receives.
- Time control: Coercive individuals may exert control over a person’s time, dictating their schedule, activities, and limiting their freedom to engage in independent thought or actions. By monopolizing the individual’s time, the coercive person or group can limit exposure to dissenting opinions and reinforce their influence.
- Manipulation of social support: Coercive tactics can involve manipulating or severing an individual’s existing social support networks. This can be done through spreading misinformation, discrediting relationships, or creating a sense of distrust among the individual’s friends or family. By undermining social support, the coercive person or group aims to make the individual more dependent on their guidance and suggestions.
- Dependency on the coercive entity: Coercive tactics often aim to create a sense of reliance and dependency on the coercive person or group. This can be achieved by providing basic needs, emotional support, or promises of security and stability. By controlling these essential aspects of an individual’s life, the coercive entity can establish a position of power and influence over the person.
It is important to recognize that establishing control over someone’s social environment, time, and sources of support is a manipulative and harmful practice. It infringes upon individual autonomy and can lead to psychological and emotional harm. Awareness of these tactics can help individuals identify and resist coercive influences, and seek support if they find themselves or others in such situations.
© Linda C J Turner
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