Topic 2: Forms Of Social Control Flashcards
Define social control
Social control involves pressures to persuade members of society to conform to rules
Define internal social control
Internal forms of social control regulate our behaviour in accordance with accepted forms
Define rational ideology as an internal form of social control
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
What is an example of rational ideology as an internal form of social control
Not stealing a pen since a persons conscience guides them into doing the right thing
How is tradition a form of internal social control
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
Define internalisation of social rules as an internal form of social control
Rules and traditions which start outside of us become part of ourselves and our personality
What is an example of internalisation of social rules as an internal form of social control
Most people will not jump queues since they believe it is not the right thing to do
Define external social control
Techniques and strategies for preventing criminal behaviour in society
What are the 5 agencies of social control
Prison
Probation
Police
CPS
Court
How do police provide external social control?
Police provide external social control by arresting and detaining individuals which persuaded people to abide by the laws
Define coercion
Coercion is the use of force to achieve a desired end
What are the 2 types of coercion?
Physical and non violent
How do police use coercion?
Police have the power to restrict liberty of a person and can stop and search anyone, using physical force when needed
Under what Act does the police right to use coercion come from?
Criminal evidence Act 1984
Define deterrence
Deterrence is where punishment is used as a threat to deter people from offending
What are the 2 types of deterrence?
Individual and general
Define individual deterrence
Individual deterrence means a punishment is imposed on the offender to stop them from reoffending
Define general deterrence
General deterrence is the fear of punishment which effects other people from committing crimes similar to the offender
How do police use individual deterrence?
Warning or cautioning an offender with charges
How do police use general deterrence?
Performing random stop and searches
How do the CPS provide external social control?
CPS provides external social control by charging a suspect and prosecuting them to persuade them to abide by the law
How do the CPS use coercion?
The CPS charge someone and force them to attend court
How do the CPS use individual deterrence?
A person with a prior conviction would have dealt with the CPS so will wish to avoid further offences and charges
How do the CPS use general deterrence?
Society knows by committing a crime they will be charged by the CPS
How do courts provide external social control?
Courts provide external social control by determining guilt and sentencing offenders + removing bail
How do courts use coercion?
Courts use coercion by demanding attendance in court and refusing bail if deemed necessary
How do courts use individual deterrence?
Courts use individual deterrence by imposing a punishment on offenders to deter them from committing further crime
How do courts use general deterrence?
Courts use general deference by allowing potential offenders to see lengthy prison sentences as a potential punishment
How does prison provide external social control?
Prisons provide external social control by detaining prisoners and punishing their misbehaviour to persuade them to abide by the law
How do prisons use individual deterrence?
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
How does prison use general deterrence?
Prisons use general deterrence by showing potential offenders the potential punishment for their crimes
How does probation provide external social control?
Probation uses external social control by recalling offenders to prison and facilitating community sentences
How does probation use coercion?
Probation uses the threat of future punishment for law breaking to persuade people to abide by the law
How does probation use individual deterrence?
The individual serving probation has served a prison sentence prior so the threat of going back to prison acts as deterrent
How does probation use general deterrence?
The fear of potential probation and its consequences e.g. shame and potential of job loss acts as deterrent
Define control theories
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
Summarise Hirschi theory
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
Summarise reckless theory
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
