Formal and informal social control

What is formal social control

Uses official rules, laws and other authorised institutions to regulate behaviour

What is informal social control

Uses written expectactions and social reactions to influence behaviour

Name some examples of formal social control

Police
Courts
Schools (sometimes)

Name some examples of informal social control

Praise
Criticism
Family dissaproval
Peer exclusion

What is the role of police in formal social control

Enforce law, investigate crime, maintain order and apprehend suspects

What is the role of courts in formal social control

Determine legal cases, impose sentences and other disciplinary actions

What is the role of the government in formal social control

Parliament creates legislation
Government departments implement policies that regulate behaviour

How can education provide social control

Schools use rules, attendance requirements, rewards and disciplinary procedures to encourage pupils to conform to expected behaviour.

How can the family provide informal social control

Family members use approval, disapproval, guidance and consequences to encourage socially acceptable behaviour.

How can peer groups provide informal social control

Peer groups reward conformity through acceptance and may discourage difference through criticism, pressure or exclusion.

How can the media provide informal social control

Media commentary, public criticism and online approval or disapproval can influence behaviour and attitudes.

Why does social control matter to sociologists

It helps explain how social order is maintained, why people conform and how institutions respond to behaviour that challenges social expectations.