Questions of gender and race.

Adramelek · Dec 12, 2012

Why does it seem that there are more men on the Left-Hand Path (Setians, Satanists), than women? Why are mainly middle-class white males with some college drawn to the path of most resistence? Does it really matter from what social matrix one comes from?

/Adramelek\

Infinitum · Dec 12, 2012

I think it does. From my own experiences I've got the impression that people are also less comfortable seeing women go strongly against the current. Many seem to dismiss the way men behave with an amused "boys will be boys" attitude - which naturally doesn't include women. So, I think men, especially from certain backgrounds, find it more natural to explore these sides, while it requires more effort from others.

That's only seen from my own social circles, of course.

Kemble · Dec 12, 2012

Whatever reason for the asymmetry white middle class males still have an unearned advantage to access to better neighborhoods, better education, wider social networks, and better jobs. With a better lifestyle there is more free time and resources to think about religious preferences.

1137 · Dec 12, 2012

I think that white males have a much easier time following the LHP and leaving family traditions and belief behind. We have quite a strange culture compare to others. Less family oriented, less.traditional values, etc.

Iti oj · Dec 12, 2012

Because minoritys dont join cults they join gangs? No but seriouzly i think its a.mix.of.all three.answers provided so far?

Iti oj · Dec 12, 2012

The reason i do not think woman are.more.into.the lhp is.because of societies view on the female.gender. ie weak.frail.l.nice. and the lhp is strong indipendant.and.dark

Quintessence · Dec 12, 2012

*taps chin*

I hesitate to speculate on seemings. Until there is statistical evidence of a skewed sex ratio in those who identify with LHP, I will make no judgements. I cannot say I have noticed such a skew. I would never use this forum as an indication of sex ratios, because this forum cannot ever be a representative sample. Demographics here are heavily male, and it is patently unsurprising for any DIR to have mostly men participating in them.

There are some other comments I could make if this skew is actually real, but they... would not be nice things to say so it is better that I do not say them. >_>

1137 · Dec 12, 2012

There are plenty of females and at least some non-white members in this DIR alone.

Iti oj · Dec 12, 2012

The Doors of Perception said:
There are plenty of females and at least some non-white members in this DIR alone.

Ii do think their is a stero type

The Sum of Awe · Dec 12, 2012

Adramelek said:
Why does it seem that there are more men on the Left-Hand Path (Setians, Satanists), than women? Why are mainly middle-class white males with some college drawn to the path of most resistence? Does it really matter from what social matrix one comes from?

/Adramelek\

For the same reason that there seems to be more men in christianity, islam, scientology, various other types of religions. Men pop out more in it to men, and women pop out more in it to women.

Adramelek · Dec 13, 2012

Adramelek said:
Why does it seem that there are more men on the Left-Hand Path (Setians, Satanists), than women? Why are mainly middle-class white males with some college drawn to the path of most resistence? Does it really matter from what social matrix one comes from?

I've read some very good answers to these questions. As for the gap between men and women on the LHP particularly Setians and Satanists, these religions deal alot with the very dark and obscure aspects of the human psyche which frightens most people, especially women. Most, but not all females are by nature the more gentle and timid of the genders, whereas, most males, but not all are by nature more agressive and fearless. However, there are those female exceptions who like us male LHPathers do see the beauty and wonder in the mysteries that lurk deep within the Darkness and who seek after Them.

I'll come to the racial aspect later - though I do think it is primarily a cultural thing.

Xeper.
/Adramelek\

Informare · Dec 13, 2012

While not in regards to LHP beliefs as a whole, the academic James R. Lewis has done some interesting research into the demographics of those identifying as satanists. His research shows that overwhelmingly, self-described satanists are white, at least some college educated, and 20-30 years old.

Kemble · Dec 13, 2012

Well keep in mind gender roles are mainly socially constructed. So while many women function under those culturally set parameters you'll also get many women that don't. As far as the debate is headed recently regarding lifting the combat ban on women in the military it doesn't seem that the idea of women being timid is set in reality. Sure, they may have different affective and perceptual styles, but I think saying women are just "afraid of the dark" is way off. The "race" thing is a little amusing since the majority of different ethnic groups in the US have been Americanized for at least a generation or more, so I don't see where the cultural difference thing fits in at least regarding the predominantly white demographic.

Orias · Dec 17, 2012

Adramelek said:
Why does it seem that there are more men on the Left-Hand Path (Setians, Satanists), than women? Why are mainly middle-class white males with some college drawn to the path of most resistence? Does it really matter from what social matrix one comes from?

/Adramelek\

Social matrix, maybe. Everything influences everything, so in these terms I look at it like "man" as we predominately refer to our human race, is injected with all sorts of beliefs, ideals, consequences and desires. In the end, blood is thicker than water.

What matters is that they are, and not why they are. If the cashier doesn't give you a bag for your goods, make you're own!

Sirktas · Dec 23, 2012

My intuition tells me that it is more difficult for women to be perceived positively when they go against cultural norms, not to mention it makes them less attractive in general, and if they're less attractive, they are less liked (generally).

I'd think it would make other women more inclined to dislike them as well. A woman is more likely to be perceived as a '*****' if they are detached or analytical, like a more typical man is supposed to be. To a potential 'friend' being too manly can be a deal-breaker.

Horrorble · Dec 23, 2012

Adramelek said:
Why does it seem that there are more men on the Left-Hand Path (Setians, Satanists), than women? Why are mainly middle-class white males with some college drawn to the path of most resistence? Does it really matter from what social matrix one comes from?

/Adramelek\

Maybe cause the satanic bible was written by a white middle class guy. Personally don't care for his view of women. I'm a radical feminist so...

Mindmaster · Dec 24, 2012

Think it is a myth really. Women are more likely to be silent about their involvement, but certainly I have known as many females as males involved. At least in the theistic Satanist/dark pagan type crowds I hang with there may even be MORE women than men.

Saint Frankenstein · Dec 24, 2012

Well, I'm mixed (black and white), a transsexual male and I certainly don't come from a privileged background. I'm mostly poor or working class.

Just from what I can see on the Internet, it seems to be about even between men and women. Perhaps it seems that there's more white people involved in Satanism and Luciferianism because it appears to be more of an American and European thing?

1137 · Dec 24, 2012

I would not consider myself "middle class" either, so I do not fit.

DivineAmandus · Jan 15, 2013

Adramelek said:
Why does it seem that there are more men on the Left-Hand Path (Setians, Satanists), than women? Why are mainly middle-class white males with some college drawn to the path of most resistence? Does it really matter from what social matrix one comes from?

/Adramelek\

Members of almost any fringe religious sect are adolescent males. Men are different than women.

I love me some white males, if only they weren't such sissies these days.

Questions of gender and race.

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