AIBU to think modern-day Freemasonry is basically a money-making scheme?

[TerrorTours]

I’m asking because a relative has been trying to get DH to join and the more I look into it, the more it feels… a bit MLM-ish.

Everything seems to revolve around recruitment, “degrees”, ceremonies and paying for the next level up. There are joining fees, annual fees, regalia fees, meal fees, donation expectations, plus endless fundraising events and encouragement to beong new people in.

When I looked into it, the fundraising seems to be the members constantly raising money from themselves.

It just made me think of those MLMs where the “product” is basically the membership itself. You progress through made-up ranks and rituals as long as you keep paying your subs and taking part.

AIBU to think it’s all a bit of a money loop rather than a meaningful community? Or am I totally misunderstanding what it actually is in 2025?

My dh is a mason and while the first year or so it was a bit pricey now that he’s been in it eight years there really aren’t many cost (and I’m cheap so that’s saying a lot).

I feel that both Masons and Rotary are largely about socialising with people of a guaranteed financial status, with some fundraising on the side. I don’t think that’s terrible - it’s one up on socialising without the fundraising. My late Dh was in Rotoract (‘young’ Rotary) and I couldn’t really see the appeal tbh but it takes all sorts.

I think that's kind of the point. They only want members with influence and money generally buys that.

Yes the fundraising is mainly from themselves so that is a financial expectation.
it can be just like the golf club for some - socialising and networking.
for a few, like my relative, it is a religion.

A friend was a freemason for years, but when he found himself out of employment and skint the 'brotherhood' did sod all to help him, so he quit.

Well isnt it up to your husband to either join or not, I do see the modern version any different to the previous one/s but your husband can think for himself

To move up the ranks cost money as does the regalia and there's also side degrees alongside the main ones.
There are 33 degrees but very few atain that status.