ac2.1: explain forms of social control

Question 1

what is social control?

Answer 1

• strategies for preventing deviant behaviour
• people are encouraged to conform to the law, anything that helps this is a form of social control

Question 2

what are internal forms of social control?

Answer 2

internal thoughts that regulate your own behaviour, your conscience will tell you when something is wrong

Question 3

rational ideology

Answer 3

• an idea or belief to achieve social control
• your conscience mixes with feelings of anxiety, guilt and worry
• guides you to reach a solution or follow laws

Question 4

tradition

Answer 4

• that you’re exposed to growing up that makes you conform to the rules
• religious, cultural or your own family traditions

Question 5

upbringing

Answer 5

• the way you’re brought up and how it influences your actions
• if your parents/guardians conform to society’s rules and you see this, you’re more likely to do the same

Question 6

internalisation of social rules and morality

Answer 6

• work out what’s right and wrong based on the values of society at that time
• e.g. not cheating on an exam

Question 7

religion

Answer 7

• may internalise the religion they follow and it becomes part of their moral compass
• makes them abide by the law

Question 8

what are external forms of social control?

Answer 8

external pressures used to persuade or compel people to conform to the rules

Question 9

coercion

Answer 9

• violent coercion: bodily injuries, imprisonment, the death penalty
• non-violent coercion: strikes, boycotts, non-cooperation

Question 10

fear of punishment - individual deterrence

Answer 10

• a punishment to prevent them from committing further crimes
• e.g. a suspended sentence (the fear of going back to prison stops them from committing further crimes)

Question 11

fear of punishment - general deterrence

Answer 11

• a punishment given to someone to stop others from committing crimes
• e.g. lengthy prison sentence, high financial penalty
• these policies are known as ‘getting tough on crime’. e.g. mandatory minimums, or three strikes and you’re out

Question 12

how does the police act as a form of external social control?

Answer 12

• patrol the street to try to deal with crime
• investigate crimes and arrest people
• have power over people
• may use violence or force
• an arrest can have consequences: prison, loss of job, loss of freedom

Question 13

how does the prison act as a form of external social control?

Answer 13

use coercion and the threat of loss of freedom via:
- suspended sentence
- fear of violence
- drug use in prisons
- post-prison consequences (mental health, jobs, house, children, family)

Question 14

how do judges act as a form of external social control?

Answer 14

• use fear of punishment as they give sentences to criminals
• fear of consequences
• the process of the court is stressful

Question 15

how does the probation service act as a form of external social control?

Answer 15

• if someone breaks probation, they risk going back to prison
• if someone breaks a community sentence, they can be sent to prison

Question 16

what are control theories?

Answer 16

try to explain why people don’t commit crimes

Question 17

containment theory: walter c. reckless

Answer 17

• we can resist committing crimes due to inner and outer containment
• inner containment = from our upbringing and family
• outer containment = from the influence of social groups and the laws of society
• a combination of both prevents people from deviating from social norms and committing crime

Question 18

social bonds theory: travis hirschi

Answer 18

• people must form social bonds to prevent crime
  1. a positive attachment to parents, school and a peer group promotes prosocial behaviour
  2. commitment to accomplishing positive future goals
  3. involvement in a social activity like a sports club or community group
  4. belief in society’s values, sharing norms and believing crime is wrong