Module 23 “Social Control”

Deviance and Social Control

Module Two Three: Social Control

• Social control refers to techniques and strategies for preventing deviant human behavior in society.

• Occurs at all levels, including:

  • Family: Obeying parents as a form of socialization.

  • Peer Groups: Introducing informal norms (e.g., dress codes).

  • Schools and Organizations: Establishing formal rules and regulations.

  • Government: Legislating and enforcing social norms.

• Effective socialization promotes conformity to societal standards, with consequences for violations.

Module Two Four: What is Deviance?

• Deviance involves behavior that violates social norms, leading to stigma.

• The relationship between conformity and deviance is complex; perceptions can vary.

• Examines behaviors considered deviant in certain contexts (e.g., binge drinking).

• Understanding conformity: viewed positively (team player) or negatively (mindless imitation).

Module Two Five: Crime: A Sociological Approach

• Definitions and distinctions between deviance and crime are explored.

• Crime is a specific type of deviance subject to official norms.

• Key areas of focus include:

  • Theories of deviance (functionalism, interactionism, conflict theory).

  • Mechanisms of social control (formal and informal).

Page 153: Police Reform in the United States

• Historical Context: Police reform efforts began in 1968 with the establishment of the Federal Law Enforcement Assistance Administration.

• Key reforms identified by criminologists Katz and Maguire:

  • Diversity in Police Composition: Efforts to include more minority officers.

  • Education and Training: Requirements for officers to undergo formal education.

  • Technological Enhancements: Introduction of body cameras and dashboard cameras.

• Criticism: Despite reforms, issues of police brutality and excessive force persist, particularly towards minorities.

• New approaches include:

  • Problem-Oriented Policing: Redesigning environments to reduce crime susceptibility.

  • Hotspot Policing: Resource allocation to areas prone to crime.

  • Civilian Review Boards: Handling allegations against police.

  • Early Intervention Programs: Providing alternatives to youth offenders.

Evidence-Based Policing

• Emergence of evidence-based policing that applies scientific research to policing strategies,

  • Lawrence Sherman’s Research (2013): Demonstrated that limiting police powers didn't lead to increased crime.

  • Analogy to medicine, emphasizing informed decisions by police leaders based on research.

Challenges and Observations

• The slow acceptance of reforms and continued issues with police diversity and use of force.

• Racial disparities evident: Black Americans face high rates of violent crime while also being disproportionately affected by police violence.

• Crime can be functional within specific subcultures, offering stability to marginalized groups (e.g., homeless individuals, drug addicts).

Page 154: Understanding Deviance and Conformity

• Deviance includes behaviors acknowledged as unacceptable by mainstream society, with varying acceptance in subcultures.

• Conformity can take different forms:

  • Positive Conformity: Team player behavior.

  • Negative Conformity: Mindlessness in imitation.

• Mechanisms of social control address conformity and deviance, relying on laws to reflect societal values.

Focus Areas of Study

• The module will address:

  • Definitions of deviance and consequences.

  • Distinctions between conformity and obedience.

  • The influence of norms across cultures.

  • Theoretical principles—functionalism (Durkheim, Merton), interactionism, conflict theory.

  • Different forms of crime in the US, measurement methods, and international comparisons.

  • Discussion on the death penalty as a controversial topic.

Page 155: Variations in Social Control

• Techniques for social control operate on group and societal levels:

• Decisions about obeying vs. conforming differ based on authority influences (e.g., military vs. peers).

• Research using Stanley Milgram's Experiment:

  • Investigated obedience to authority under ethical considerations.

  • Shocking results revealing how average individuals followed orders to inflict pain on others.

• Subjects often deflected responsibility to authority figures; proximity to victims decreased compliance.

Implications of Milgram's Work

• The experiment highlights societal tendencies toward obedience and conformity, a relevant link to discussions of authority and ethics.

Page 156: Replication of Milgram’s Findings

• Recent replications confirm high obedience rates, using new modalities like virtual reality.

• VR studies show participants respond empathetically and still follow instructions, revealing deep societal norms regarding authority.

Page 157: Social Control Mechanisms

• Formal vs. Informal Social Control:

  • Informal Control: Casual enforcement of norms through social cues.

  • Formal Control: Implemented by authorities, used when informal efforts fail.

• Historical use of the death penalty illustrated as significant social control, alongside criticisms of its effectiveness.

Challenges of Modern Control

• In recent years, there's increased scrutiny over social control measures, particularly post-9/11, where surveillance measures were intensified.

• Concerns about racial profiling and the balance between safety and civil rights.

• Solitary confinement raises ethical questions regarding its effectiveness and humane application.

Page 158: The Debate on Gun Control

• Gun control presents a significant controversy in society influenced by cultural norms and political power.

• The NRA plays a decisive role in legislative processes, opposing stricter regulations despite high gun violence statistics.

• The ongoing conversation balances civil rights, safety, and the evolving interpretation of laws across states.

• Recent Trends: Decriminalization movements (e.g., marijuana laws) demonstrate evolving social values reflected in legislation.

Page 159: Conformity and Control Theory

• Discussion of socialization patterns leading to conformity and the impact of control theory on our understanding of deviance.

• Emphasizes the role of societal bonds in reducing deviant behaviors.

  • Concerns about economic factors: Many jailed individuals are there due to inability to pay bail.

Page 160: Addressing Inequality in the Justice System

• Acknowledgment of the shortcomings of a cash bail system contributing to systemic inequality.

• New reforms in jurisdictions (e.g., New York) show varying reception and effectiveness, suggesting a need for comprehensive evaluation—soliciting a re-examination of poverty's relationship with incarceration.

Summary Recap of Module 23

• Highlights relationship between conformity, social control mechanisms, and the implications of laws as reflections of changing societal values.

• Discussion questions pose critical reflection on youth convictions, drug decriminalization, and anticipated changes in societal legal norms.

Key Terms

• Conformity, Control Theory, Formal Social Control, Informal Social Control, Law, Obedience, Sanction, Social Control.