AC2.1 Explain forms of social control

Question 1

What is social control?

Answer 1

Social control refers to the mechanisms, strategies, and institutions that regulate individual behavior in society. It ensures that people adhere to societal norms and laws, contributing to social order.

Question 2

Why is social control important in society?

Answer 2

Social control is crucial because it maintains social order, reduces deviance, and ensures that people behave in ways that are consistent with society’s expectations and laws, promoting stability and safety.

Question 3

What are the two main types of social control?

Answer 3

The two main types of social control are:

Formal Social Control
Informal Social Control

Question 4

What is formal social control?

Answer 4

Formal social control refers to the enforcement of laws, rules, and regulations by authorized institutions such as the police, courts, and government agencies. It involves official sanctions, such as arrests, fines, and imprisonment, to ensure compliance.

Question 5

What are key examples of formal social control?

Answer 5

Laws and Legislation: Rules created by the government to regulate behavior.
The Police: Law enforcement agencies that enforce laws, prevent crime, and arrest offenders.
The Criminal Justice System: Courts and legal processes that punish offenders and uphold laws.
Government Policies: Regulations and programs designed to manage social behavior, such as public health laws.
Prison and Punishment: Institutions that detain offenders and enforce legal penalties.

Question 6

What is the role of the police in formal social control?

Answer 6

The police enforce laws, investigate crimes, make arrests, and maintain public order. They are the primary agents responsible for implementing formal social control in society.

Question 7

How does the criminal justice system contribute to formal social control?

Answer 7

The criminal justice system contributes by prosecuting offenders through the courts, deciding punishments, and rehabilitating those who commit crimes. It uses both punitive measures (e.g., imprisonment) and rehabilitative measures (e.g., probation) to control behavior.

Question 8

How do laws function in formal social control?

Answer 8

Laws are written rules created by the government to regulate behavior. They provide clear standards for acceptable conduct and outline the consequences of non-compliance, acting as formal mechanisms to maintain social order.

Question 9

What is informal social control?

Answer 9

Informal social control refers to the unwritten rules and expectations that govern behavior in society. It is enforced through social interactions, customs, norms, and the influence of family, peers, and communities rather than by formal institutions.

Question 10

What are key examples of informal social control?

Answer 10

Family: Parents teach children right from wrong and instill societal norms.
Peer Pressure: Friends and social groups influence individual behavior through approval or disapproval.
Education: Schools instill societal values, ethics, and rules, shaping behavior.
Religious Institutions: Religions promote moral behavior and discourage deviance through teachings and community influence.
Media: Television, films, and social media can shape attitudes and behaviors by portraying social norms and expectations.

Question 11

How does peer pressure function as an informal form of social control?

Answer 11

Peer pressure occurs when individuals conform to the expectations of their social group to gain acceptance or avoid disapproval. It can encourage positive behavior (e.g., academic success) or negative behavior (e.g., delinquency).

Question 12

What is the role of family in informal social control?

Answer 12

Families are fundamental in shaping individuals’ values, behavior, and attitudes. Parents teach children norms, provide discipline, and reinforce societal expectations, acting as the first form of social control.

Question 13

How do schools and education contribute to informal social control?

Answer 13

Schools teach students societal norms, rules, and values, such as respect, responsibility, and citizenship. They enforce behavioral standards through codes of conduct, rewards for good behavior, and punishment for rule violations.

Question 14

What role do religious institutions play in informal social control?

Answer 14

Religious institutions promote moral behavior and social norms by teaching ethical values and holding followers accountable through spiritual and community expectations. They often discourage deviance and encourage conformity to societal values.

Question 15

How does socialization contribute to social control?

Answer 15

Socialization is the process through which individuals learn the norms, values, and behaviors expected in their society. Through primary (family) and secondary (school, media) socialization, individuals internalize social rules, reducing the need for external enforcement.

Question 16

What is the role of sanctions in social control?

Answer 16

Sanctions are rewards or punishments used to encourage conformity to social norms and discourage deviance. Positive sanctions (e.g., praise or rewards) encourage desirable behavior, while negative sanctions (e.g., criticism, fines) punish undesirable behavior.

Question 17

What is the difference between formal and informal social control?

Answer 17

Formal social control is enforced by institutions like the police, courts, and government through laws and regulations. It involves official sanctions like arrests, fines, or imprisonment.
Informal social control is exerted through social interactions, norms, and expectations within families, peer groups, and communities, without official intervention. It relies on social pressure, approval, or disapproval.

Question 18

Which form of social control is more effective in maintaining long-term social order?

Answer 18

Informal social control is often considered more effective in maintaining long-term order because it encourages individuals to internalize norms and values, leading to self-regulation. Formal social control, while necessary for handling serious deviance, may not address underlying causes of crime or deviance.

Question 19

What is Hirschi’s Social Control Theory?

Answer 19

Hirschi’s Social Control Theory suggests that individuals are less likely to engage in deviant behavior if they have strong social bonds to society. These bonds include attachment to others, commitment to conventional goals, involvement in activities, and belief in social norms.

Question 20

According to Hirschi, what makes people conform to social norms?

Answer 20

People conform to social norms because they have strong attachments to family, friends, and society. They also have a commitment to conventional goals (like career success) and involvement in activities that align with societal expectations.

Question 21

How does social control relate to deviance?

Answer 21

Social control mechanisms work to prevent deviance by regulating behavior and encouraging conformity. When these mechanisms are weak or ineffective, deviance can increase, as individuals may feel less pressure to follow societal norms.

Question 22

What role does social control play in crime prevention?

Answer 22

Social control plays a critical role in crime prevention by deterring individuals from engaging in criminal behavior. Through both formal (laws) and informal (socialization, peer pressure) means, social control encourages conformity to societal expectations and reduces the likelihood of deviance.