AC 2.1- Forms of social control

Question 1

Define informal social control.

Answer 1

Used by family, friends, co workers, teachers and other peers to enforce social control.

Question 2

Define formal social control.

Answer 2

Used by the government and other agencies who use law enforcement to enforce social control.

Question 3

What is internal social control?

Answer 3

Controls over our behaviour that come from within ourselves to help shape our behaviour/personality.

Question 4

Give examples of internal social control.

Answer 4

-Morality (right and wrong)
-Tradition/culture (Religion)
-Ration Ideology (Think clearly- punishments)

Question 5

What is external social control?

Answer 5

External pressures from agencies, often with power (police/government), that persuade members of society to conform to society’s norms.

Question 6

Give examples of external social control.

Answer 6

-Criminal Justice System (deterrent)
-Agencies
-Fear of punishment
-Coercion (the idea of being threatened)

Question 7

What is the Control Theory and who came up with it?

Answer 7

Hirschi put forward the idea that we are all subject to ‘;animal impulses’ and thus claimed that we are all capable of committing criminal acts.

Question 8

What are the four key elements of the social bond theory?

Answer 8

1) Attachment- on the individual to others.
2) Commitment- to someone or something.
3) Involvement- With conventional activities.
4) Beliefs- socialised to believe that committing crime is ‘wrong’.