Later some of these groups wandered from their religious background and took on political, economic, or social overtones. For example, when guilds were formed in medieval Europe, their members resorted to secrecy primarily for economic self-protection. Some fraternal organizations, youth clubs, social clubs, and other groups are also secret, or at least semisecret. Generally, these groups are innocent, their members simply finding secrecy exciting. Secret rites of initiation have strong emotional appeal and strengthen the bonds of camaraderie and unity.
Members gain the feeling of belonging and a sense of purpose.
Secret societies of this kind usually are no threat to nonmembers. Outsiders are none the worse off for not knowing the secrets. When Secrecy Signals Danger Not all secret groups are secret to the same degree. The danger inherent in such groups is obvious. Those in the lower echelons may be completely unaware of the real objectives of the organization, not having as yet progressed to that level of revelation.