AC 2.1 - Explain forms of social control Flashcards
What is meant by social control?
Refers to the ways in which peoples thoughts, feelings, apperance and behaviour are regulated in social systems
This involves forms or pressures to persuade or convince members of society to conform to the rules
What is meant by Internal forms of social control?
Internalisation of social rules and morality: knowing what is wrong and right based upon social values
Refers to any strategies for preventing deviant behaviour, that involves a set of norms value and beliefs influencing how we act.
What is meant by External forms of social control?
Aim to ensure we conform to its expectations and keep to its rules, by using force to achieve results (violent or non-violent).
What is an example of external forms of social control?
Police or military etc.
What is an example of informal forms of social control?
Parents, teachers, religion etc.
What is Hirschi’s Control Theory?
Developed in the 1960’s to explain ways to train people to engage in law-abiding behaviour
It argues that humans require nurturing in order to develop attachments or bonds to people
These bonds are crucial in developing internal forms of social control, such as a conscience
What are the 4 elements of Hirschi’s Control Theory?
- Attachment
- Commitment
- Involvement
- Beliefs
What does Hirschi say about young people in his theory?
Young people who are not very attached to their parents or to school are more likely to be deliquent than those who are strongly attached.
Young people who have a strongly positive view of their own accomplishments are more likely to view society’s laws as valid constraints on their behaviour.
What does Attachment mean (Hirschi)?
The more attached you are to others, the more you care about their opinions of you.
What does Commitment mean (Hirschi)?
The more we are committed to a conventional lifestyle, the more we risk losing by getting involved in crime, so the more likely we are to conform.
What does Involvement mean (Hirschi)?
The more involved we are in conventional, law-abiding activities (like studying or participating in sport), the less time and energy we will have for getting involved in criminal ones.
What does Beliefs mean (Hirschi)?
If you have been socialized to believe it is right to obey the law, we are less likely to break it.
What are the 3 Fear of punishment types?
- Deterrence - he use of punishment as a threat to deter people from offending
- Individual deterrence - punishments imposed on offenders will deter and prevent them from committing further crimes, such as a suspended sentence or conditional discharge
- General deterrence - The fear of punishment will prevent others from committing similar crimes, an example is a length prison sentence or a large fine
What Reckless (1961) Containment Theory?
Points to the importance of parenting and socialization, with Inner (Postive sense of self) and Outer Containment (Supervision and discipline).
What did Riley and Shaw find when studying control?
Found that lack of parental supervision was an important factor in delinquency
they argue that parents should do three things
