MLMs or multi-level marketing companies, carry a great deal of baggage. It is a surprise that they are still so prevalent today as they were back in the days of tupperware parties. Social media and modern girlboss culture have given them new ways to thrive despite all their negative aspects. According to the FTC, most MLM representatives lose money to the business, and about half drop out within the first year.
If you have fallen victim to a multi-level marketing scheme it is not something to beat yourself up over. Many people have been convinced to join by manipulation and sometimes outright lies. MLMs tend to target vulnerable people by making too-good-to-be-true claims about financial opportunities, comradery, and health benefits.
MLMs vs moms
Multi-level marketing companies have been common among women since their origins, specifically among housewives as a way to make money and provide a social outlet. MLMs still have a majority of female workers; many of which are mothers. Mothers experience a lot of pressure from society. Every decision they make for themselves and their families is heavily scrutinized. One of the most prevalent of these is the decision to stay home with their children or reenter the workforce.
A heavily nuanced conversation that which everyone seems to have strong options even though the circumstances around this decision are extremely personal and vary widely from family to family. It is no wonder why women who are guilted no matter what they choose might be excited by the possibility of the best of both worlds when it is promised to them by a friendly acquaintance.
Penalties received by women in a traditional work environment don’t help either. Women are often subjected to lower pay and decreased chances of career advancement than their male counterparts. In theory, working for oneself would eliminate that issue. MLMs have significantly lower entry costs than small businesses do. This makes them appear as a better investment when, in reality, they have a much lower chance of long-term success.
What is talked about less when it comes to multi-level marketing is the emotional manipulation that goes along with it. Many recruiters promise an empowering sisterhood and a supportive network of friends upon joining. This is rarely the case though. Many women have said that when they first joined an MLM their upline was friendly and welcoming, but eventually became aggressive and demanding. After leaving the company many of these “friends” disappear.
Health and wellness
Many MLMs sell physical or mental health products. Representatives have been known to join Facebook groups for the chronically ill in order to promote their business. Their products contain outrageous health claims with promises to cure any ailment. In the same breath they demonize modern medicine. They claim that anti-depressants are dangerous and that their essential oils or unregulated supplement concoction is a much much healthier alternative.
These types of companies usually promote an outdated idea of health as well. There is a huge focus on achieving a thin body as fast as possible, an idea that has and continues to harm women’s health and self-esteem. This is made worse by the fact that many recruiters target women that are sick or just gave birth and are likely feeling self-conscious about their post-partum body. Women have their insecurities pointed out to them and are then presented with a false solution.
Role of religion
Religion is another prevalent aspect of the MLM world. MLMs tend to spread through church communities because the church inherently provides a close-knit and trusting community. One person recommends their products to a church friend and before you know it, half the congregation is sucked in. This is especially common among Mormon communities as MLMs are hugely popular in Utah where Mormonism is widespread.
The disempowerment of MLMs
MLMs are offered to people as the opportunity of a lifetime, yet all they are is an opportunity to lose yourself in a company that wants to take your money and hard work. They target people in vulnerable positions. Those who are financially struggling or have just gone through a major life change. Companies like this love to say they empower women, but they only take advantage of them and benefit from the misogynistic systems they claim to fight against. MLMs exist to harm people so those at the top of the business model can gain from other’s losses.
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