Unit 4 2.1 Flashcards
What is social control
This refers to the mechanisms, strategies and institutions used by society to regulate individual and group behaviors, aiming to maintain order and enforce societal norms and values. It is very necessary as if there were no rules it would be very chaotic so it’s needed to keep order, peace and law. It prevents deviant behavior. There are 2 types (internal and external.
Internal social control
-This relies on individuals internal beliefs, values and understanding of the right and wrong and as individuals we internalize thoughts in our heads to decide this
-These come from within a person and are shaped by societal norms and personal morality.
- our conscience regulates are behaviors
- what we feel is accepted in forms of behavior
What does internal control relate too
It relates to frauds theory (physchoanalytical theory) where he argues conscience is formed as a result of ID, EGO AND SUPEREGO.
He claimed they all form a part of our personality
The main ways internal control occurs… rational ideology
- Rational ideology-
This is the idea or belief to achieve social control. It involves individuals making decisions based on reason and logic. We ultimately weigh up the benefits and conseqnces of a crime, considering the feelings of guilt, worry and anxiety we will experience. These feelings may make us avoid committing the crime (this relates to conscience) which in turn may guide them into making a law abiding choice.
E.g. choosing not to steal as it understand it causes harm to others and the potential consequences to society.
E.g. Clark and Cornish 2006 suggested criminality is often a rational choice where crimes are purposive acts committed with the intention of benefiting the offender.
The main ways internal control occurs… tradition
This refers to the long established customs and practices that guide behaviour. People will conform to social expectations as it’s the way things have always been done.
E.g. celebrating national holidays or family customs even if there are no laws requiring you to do so
The main ways internal control occurs… internalsaiton of social rules and morality
This occurs when individuals accept and internalize the norms, values and rules of society as their own. They follow them without being told because they have developed a sense of what is morally right and wrong. Following the social expectations.
E.g. feeling guilty about lying or cheating because you personally believe it is wrong not just because you fear punishment
What shows internal control
- socialization- the people and experiences you’ve socialisaed with
- childhoood upbringing
- friends
- religion
- teachers
- culture
- tradition
External social control
This involves external pressures often imposed by society, law or other institutions to ensure compliance. Such as persuading or compelling people to conform to the rules. This power is exercised by people and organizations specifically empowered to enforce conformity to social norms such as police officers, judges and prison guards
What does external control relate too
The main ways internal control occurs
The main ways external control occurs… coercion
This involves forcing someone to follow the rules or behave in a certain way often through threats or actual force. This can be physical such as police action or non physical such as the threat of losing a job
E.g. a police officer arresting someone for breaking the law
The main ways external control occurs… fear of punishment
This refers to the fear of consequences if one breaks the rules or laws. These punishments could involve fines, imprisonment or social ostracism. The knowledge there re penalties for certain actions could act as a deterrent.
- can be seen as a way to try and achieve social control within society
- right realists would argue the thought/threat of going to prison is enough to deter people from committing a crime.
E.g. not committing a crime as you’re afraid to go to jail.
What is individual deterrrence
Deterring an individual from committing a further crime, can be done through giving a suspended sentence or a conditional discharge
What is a general deterrence
Prevents others from committing similar crimes e.g. giving long prison sentences or fines as as it allows others to see the potential consequences. There is a focus on get tough on crime. For example USA employed a 3 strikes and your out system where individuals are charged for 3 violent crimes and then their automatically handed a life sentence
What do control theories explain
They explain why people don’t commit crime and both theories support that view that people require nurturing and bonds. Crime is a result of not having these attachments.
