Social control is the regulations, sanctions, mechanisms, and systems that restrict the behaviour of individuals in accordance with social norms and orders. Through both informal and formal means, individuals and groups exercise social control both internally and externally. As an area of social science, social control is studied by researchers of various fields, including anthropology, criminology, law, political science, and sociology.
Social control is considered one of the foundations of social order. Sociologists identify two basic forms of social control. Informal means of control refer to the internalization of norms and values through socialization. Formal means comprise external sanctions enforced by government to prevent the establishment of chaos or anomie in society. Some theorists, such as Émile Durkheim, refer to formal control as regulation.
Social control refers to the mechanisms societies use to regulate the behavior of individuals and groups to maintain social order. It is achieved through both formal means, such as laws and punishments enforced by institutions like the police and courts, and informal means, like social norms, peer pressure, and the disapproval of family and friends. The goal is to encourage conformity to social expectations through both positive sanctions (rewards) and negative sanctions (punishments).
Types of social control
Formal social control: This is based on established laws, policies, and institutions that have the authority to enforce rules.
Examples: The legal system, government regulations, and institutional policies (like a company’s code of conduct or a school’s curfew).
Enforcement: Typically involves official penalties such as fines, imprisonment, or other official sanctions.
Informal social control: This relies on unwritten social norms and expectations, guided by things like customs and tradition.
Examples: Familial disapproval, peer pressure, community vigilance, and public opinion.
Enforcement: Achieved through non-official means like social disapproval, ridicule, or praise.
Functions of social control
Maintains social order: Social control is crucial for creating a predictable and stable society where people can base their daily lives on shared expectations.
Promotes conformity: It encourages individuals to follow established rules and norms.
Deters deviance: It works to prevent or reduce behavior that is considered undesirable, illegal, or harmful to the social order.
Integrates individuals into society: Social control mechanisms, such as socialization, can help individuals internalize the values and beliefs of their community.
Social control
Social control refers to the mechanisms societies use to regulate the behavior of individuals and groups to maintain social order. It is achieved through both formal means, such as laws and punishments enforced by institutions like the police and courts, and informal means, like social norms, peer pressure, and the disapproval of family and friends. The goal is to encourage conformity to social expectations through both positive sanctions (rewards) and negative sanctions (punishments).
Types of social control
Formal social control: This is based on established laws, policies, and institutions that have the authority to enforce rules.
Examples: The legal system, government regulations, and institutional policies (like a company’s code of conduct or a school’s curfew).
Enforcement: Typically involves official penalties such as fines, imprisonment, or other official sanctions.
Informal social control: This relies on unwritten social norms and expectations, guided by things like customs and tradition.
Examples: Familial disapproval, peer pressure, community vigilance, and public opinion.
Enforcement: Achieved through non-official means like social disapproval, ridicule, or praise.
Functions of social control
Maintains social order: Social control is crucial for creating a predictable and stable society where people can base their daily lives on shared expectations.
Promotes conformity: It encourages individuals to follow established rules and norms.
Deters deviance: It works to prevent or reduce behavior that is considered undesirable, illegal, or harmful to the social order.
Integrates individuals into society: Social control mechanisms, such as socialization, can help individuals internalize the values and beliefs of their community.