AC 2.1- Explain Forms of Social Control Flashcards
What is meant by the term social control?
Any strategy for preventing deviant human behaviour or any action that compels people to form to the rules/laws in society
What is meant by internal forms of social control?
Our conscience or something inside us that tells us an act is wrong, we’ve been brought up not to and our self respect demands it
What is rational ideology?
Idea to achieve social control, conscience or feelings of guilt/anxiety tell you to follow the law or rules
What is meant by tradition?
Customs or norms that ensure we conform to the rules
What are some examples of traditions?
Ten commandments, golden rule, upbringing/socialization and manners (saying please and thank you)
What is meant by internalization of social rules and morality and what are some examples?
Learning what is the right thing to do and therefore knowing what is right or wrong based on social values, examples include not queue jumping or not cheating in an exam
Who said we conform to society’s expectations because of our superego?
Freud, psychoanalytic theory
What is the role of the ID?
Pleasure principle, developed at birth, based on desire and tries to get what it wants, e.g. food, sex
What is the role of the EGO?
Reality principle, develops at around age 2, makes us aware our actions bring consequences
What is the role of the SUPEREGO?
Morality principle, acts as a moral compass on what is right and wrong, keeps other elements in balance, develops from age 5, allows us to exercise self control
What are external forms of social control?
Things outside of our own mind or control that persuade or compel us to conform to the rules
What are some examples of informal social control?
Being grounded, shouted at, badmouthed
What are some examples of formal social control?
Prisons, fines, death penalty, ASBO
Describe what is meant by coercion
Can be physical such as prisons, injury or the death penalty, or non-violent such as strikes protests or no co-operation, Prisons can use a loss of liberty as a threat
What word can be used to describe the fear of punishment?
Deterrence
What are the two types of deterrence?
Individual and general
Describe individual deterrence
Punishment on offenders to stop them committing future crimes, such as a suspended prison sentence (court can give another sentence for original crime if breached) or conditional discharge (If terms are breached then offender given prison time)
Describe general deterrence
Prevents others/ordinary people from committing similar crimes, for example seeing a hefty fine or a lengthy prison sentence can put people off
What are two policies that promote general deterrence?
Mandatory minimum life sentence (e.g. murder), 3 strikes and you’re out (3 convictions for violent crimes in the US, likely to be given death penalty)
What is a control theory?
Explains why people don’t commit crimes, say due to nurturing and attachments formed we do not commit crime
Who developed the idea of bonds of attachment and what does this mean?
Hirschi, delinquent acts occur because an individuals bond to society is weak or broken
What are the 4 elements of bonds of attachment?
Attachment, commitment, involvement, beliefs
How does attachment affect our behaviour?
More attached we are to others, more we care about their opinions of us, likely to respect their norms (e.g. parents, friends & teachers)
How does commitment affect our behaviour?
Commitment to conventional goals like education and jobs makes us have more to loose, therefore we are less likely to offend at the risk of doing so
How does involvement affect our behaviour?
Involvement with normal, law abiding activities makes us have less time to be involved in crime, youth clubs help keep children out of crime
How do beliefs affect our behaviour?
If we are socialized to believe it is right to obey the law and respect others, we are less likely to offend
What did Walter Reckless say about containment?
Emphasizes importance of socialization, internal containment, building self control to resist temptation, external containment, things like parental discipline
