Topic 2: Forms Of Social Control

Question 1

Define social control

Answer 1

Social control involves pressures to persuade members of society to conform to rules

Question 2

Define internal social control

Answer 2

Internal forms of social control regulate our behaviour in accordance with accepted forms

Question 3

Define rational ideology as an internal form of social control

Answer 3

People don’t engage in criminal activity since they believe that the laws of the land are right and proper so don’t commit crimes to avoid guilt and achieve social control

Question 4

What is an example of rational ideology as an internal form of social control

Answer 4

Not stealing a pen since a persons conscience guides them into doing the right thing

Question 5

How is tradition a form of internal social control

Answer 5

Traditional relates to a persons religion or culture which ensures they follow rules and are less likely to break laws e.g. relgious ban on alcohol consumption

Question 6

Define internalisation of social rules as an internal form of social control

Answer 6

Rules and traditions which start outside of us become part of ourselves and our personality

Question 7

What is an example of internalisation of social rules as an internal form of social control

Answer 7

Most people will not jump queues since they believe it is not the right thing to do

Question 8

Define external social control

Answer 8

Techniques and strategies for preventing criminal behaviour in society

Question 9

What are the 5 agencies of social control

Answer 9

Prison
Probation
Police
CPS
Court

Question 10

How do police provide external social control?

Answer 10

Police provide external social control by arresting and detaining individuals which persuaded people to abide by the laws

Question 11

Define coercion

Answer 11

Coercion is the use of force to achieve a desired end

Question 12

What are the 2 types of coercion?

Answer 12

Physical and non violent

Question 13

How do police use coercion?

Answer 13

Police have the power to restrict liberty of a person and can stop and search anyone, using physical force when needed

Question 14

Under what Act does the police right to use coercion come from?

Answer 14

Criminal evidence Act 1984

Question 15

Define deterrence

Answer 15

Deterrence is where punishment is used as a threat to deter people from offending

Question 16

What are the 2 types of deterrence?

Answer 16

Individual and general

Question 17

Define individual deterrence

Answer 17

Individual deterrence means a punishment is imposed on the offender to stop them from reoffending

Question 18

Define general deterrence

Answer 18

General deterrence is the fear of punishment which effects other people from committing crimes similar to the offender

Question 19

How do police use individual deterrence?

Answer 19

Warning or cautioning an offender with charges

Question 20

How do police use general deterrence?

Answer 20

Performing random stop and searches

Question 21

How do the CPS provide external social control?

Answer 21

CPS provides external social control by charging a suspect and prosecuting them to persuade them to abide by the law

Question 22

How do the CPS use coercion?

Answer 22

The CPS charge someone and force them to attend court

Question 23

How do the CPS use individual deterrence?

Answer 23

A person with a prior conviction would have dealt with the CPS so will wish to avoid further offences and charges

Question 24

How do the CPS use general deterrence?

Answer 24

Society knows by committing a crime they will be charged by the CPS

Question 25

How do courts provide external social control?

Answer 25

Courts provide external social control by determining guilt and sentencing offenders + removing bail

Question 26

How do courts use coercion?

Answer 26

Courts use coercion by demanding attendance in court and refusing bail if deemed necessary

Question 27

How do courts use individual deterrence?

Answer 27

Courts use individual deterrence by imposing a punishment on offenders to deter them from committing further crime

Question 28

How do courts use general deterrence?

Answer 28

Courts use general deference by allowing potential offenders to see lengthy prison sentences as a potential punishment

Question 29

How does prison provide external social control?

Answer 29

Prisons provide external social control by detaining prisoners and punishing their misbehaviour to persuade them to abide by the law

Question 30

How do prisons use individual deterrence?

Answer 30

Prisons provide individual deterrence by giving the offender a suspended prison sentence or conditional charge so they will receive a harsher punishment for re offending

Question 31

How does prison use general deterrence?

Answer 31

Prisons use general deterrence by showing potential offenders the potential punishment for their crimes

Question 32

How does probation provide external social control?

Answer 32

Probation uses external social control by recalling offenders to prison and facilitating community sentences

Question 33

How does probation use coercion?

Answer 33

Probation uses the threat of future punishment for law breaking to persuade people to abide by the law

Question 34

How does probation use individual deterrence?

Answer 34

The individual serving probation has served a prison sentence prior so the threat of going back to prison acts as deterrent

Question 35

How does probation use general deterrence?

Answer 35

The fear of potential probation and its consequences e.g. shame and potential of job loss acts as deterrent

Question 36

Define control theories

Answer 36

Control theories explain why people do not commit crime and abide by the law by supporting the ideas that nurturing is required to form attachment and that crime is a result of insufficient attachment

Question 37

Summarise Hirschi theory

Answer 37

Hirschi theory stresses the importance of individuals bonds to society which determines their behaviour. The 4 main bonds to prevent crime are attachment / commitment / involvement / belief. If the 4 bonds are formed then the individual will not commit crime and will abide by the law

Question 38

Summarise reckless theory

Answer 38

Combination of internal and external psychological containments prevents people from committing crime and deviating from social norms. Inner containment is the individuals upbringing and family whereas outer containment is the influence of social groups and society including laws