Forms Of Social Control Flashcards
What is social control?
Social control involves pressures to persuade or compel members of society to conform to the rules.
What are internal forms of social control?
Internal forms of social control regulate our own behaviour in accordance with accepted forms.
Name one internal form of social control.
Rational ideology
How does rational ideology function as an internal form of social control?
People abide by the law because they believe it is right and proper, linked to their conscience.
What is the role of tradition in internal social control?
Tradition relates to religion or culture and influences individuals to follow rules and laws.
What does internalisation of social rules and morality involve?
It involves understanding what is right or wrong based on social values from upbringing and tradition.
What is the most visible form of external social control?
Agencies specifically empowered to enforce conformity to society’s law.
List some agencies of social control.
- Police
- CPS
- Courts
- Prison
- Probation
How do police exert external control?
By using powers of stop and search, arresting, detaining, and questioning suspects.
What is coercion in the context of social control?
Coercion is the use of force to achieve a desired end, which can be physical or non-violent.
What are the two key assumptions of deterrence?
- Individual deterrence
- General deterrence
What is individual deterrence?
Punishment imposed on offenders to deter them from committing further crimes.
What is general deterrence?
The fear of punishment that prevents others from committing similar crimes.
How does the CPS provide external control?
By charging a suspect and prosecuting them in court.
What role do courts play in external social control?
Courts determine guilt, sentence offenders, and can refuse bail.
How do prisons enforce external control?
By detaining prisoners for the duration of their sentence.
What is the role of probation services in external control?
To recall offenders to prison and facilitate community sentences.
What does control theory focus on?
It explains why people do not commit crime and abide by the law.
According to control theories, what causes crime?
Insufficient attachment and commitment to others.
Who is Travis Hirschi, and what does he emphasize?
Travis Hirschi emphasizes the importance of an individual’s bond to society in determining conforming behaviour.
What are the four key bonds identified by Hirschi?
- Attachment
- Commitment
- Involvement
- Belief
What did Walter C. Reckless argue about crime prevention?
A combination of internal psychological containments and external social containments prevents crime.
What are inner containments according to Reckless?
They come from upbringing, especially the family.
What do outer containments refer to?
The influence of social groups and the laws of society.
