Explain forms of social control

What is internal social control + examples

Internal social control is an individuals own values which stops them from doing what they consider to be deviant acts. For example:

Rational ideology:

An individuals conscience prevents them from committing a crime due to

• Upbringings

• Parental influence

• Religion

• Culture

They start of as forces separate from ourselves however, we casually become internalised to due socialisation. The family and community we belong to influences us and become part of how we see the world.

External forms of social control + what would right realist argue?

Agencies of social control such as the police.

These agencies may be used as a means of coercion. Things will happen that are against your will as a consequence- of committing an offence. Some right realists would argue that crime would be a lot worse without the fear of punishment. It acts as a deterrent.

What is the control theory and which two created it?

This is a theory from Hirschi and Reckless.

Instead of asking ‘why do people commit crime and act in deviant ways’ control theory askes us what makes people conform and obey the law?

They argue people conform when they have strong bonds to society

4 ways Hirschi argues we can overcome crime and deviance?

Attachment:

To avoid crime, a person needs positive attachment to parents, schools, peers etc, To promote a need to pro-social behaviour.

Commitment:

If a person has ambition to achieve positive future goals such as a good job, comfortable home etc, they are less likely to commit a crime

Involvement:

Those who are involved in social activates such as playing in a sports team or belonging to a community club or group less prone to crime.

Beliefs:

A belief in society’s value such as honesty is needed, and belief that committing crime is wrong.

What is Reckless’ control theory?

Reckless’ theory was called containment. We resist committing crime due to inner and outer containment

• Inner containment = upbringings and especially our family

• Outer containment = influence of social groups including the laws of our society

• Reckless said that a combination of inner psychological containment and external social containments stop people from deviating from norms and committing crime.