Story perspectives

Pandemic Boosts Women in Controversial MLM Industry

5/21/2025

27 2

Summary

Story summary

Multi-level marketing (MLM) has seen significant growth among women seeking income during the pandemic.
Research highlights MLM's 80-year history and its connections to pyramid schemes, blurring lines between legitimacy and fraud.
The industry is influenced by right-wing ideology and anti-communism, impacting its practices and recent trends like crypto scams.
MLM leverages technology and social media for recruitment while retaining its controversial business model.

1 of 1

Story summary

Multi-level marketing (MLM) has seen significant growth among women seeking income during the pandemic.
Research highlights MLM's 80-year history and its connections to pyramid schemes, blurring lines between legitimacy and fraud.
The industry is influenced by right-wing ideology and anti-communism, impacting its practices and recent trends like crypto scams.
MLM leverages technology and social media for recruitment while retaining its controversial business model.