socM3L4: Social Control

• social control → the way society regulates behaviour via norms, practices, state, force, etc to maintain social order

• need for social control → to maintain order, regulate individual behaviour, check cultural maladjustment 

• purpose of social control → to ensure conformity and regulate the behaviour of individuals and groups so it is beneficial to both

Informal Means of Social Control

• folkways → the traditional behaviour or way of life of a particular community or group of people

• mores → customs, norms, and behaviours that are acceptable to a society or social group

• customs → a traditional and widely accepted way of behaving or doing something that is specific to a particular society, place, or time

• religion → unified system of beliefs and practices related to sacred things (emile durkheim)

Formal Means of Social Control

• law → the legislation, justice system and officials that implement law 

• education →  the imparting of knowledge in official, credible settings

• state → the governing body of a place that enforces its own rules and regulations

Agencies of Social Control

• family → most close and immediate interactions - can constantly monitor behaviour

• neighbourhood → intimate and informal relationships within a locality or community (influential)

• public opinion → provide positive or negative social sanctions based on behaviour