What is social control and what are the means of social control ? Explain how does religion play important role in social control ?
Social Control
Society is a groups of individuals. It exists for the welfare and advancement of the whole. The mutuality, on which it depends, is possible to sustain by adjustment of varied and contradictory interests. It implies that society regulates social intercourse. accordance with established and recognised standards. It is comprehensive, omnipotent and effective to stimulate order, discipline and mutuality; and to discourage, and if need be, to punish the deviance. Sociologists widely use the term ‘S Control’ to refer to the processes that regulate the behaviour of individuals or groups. Since all societies have norms and values governing conduct (a society without some such norms and values is inconceivable), all equally have some mechanisms for ensuring conformity to those norms and for dealing with deviance. It is consequently a pervasive feature of society.
Means
Sociologists usually classify the mechanisms of S Control into two types i.e. primary groups and secondary groups. In primary groups, the relationships are close, direct and intimate. It is often maintained by informal mechanisms such as customs, traditions, folkways, religion, mores etc. In secondary groups, it is exercised by known and deliberate agencies of it such as law, punishment, army, Constitution etc. Man is forced to accept these forms of control .
Importance of Religion in social control
Emile Durkheim defines religion as the unified system of beliefs and practices related to sacred things. Those who have common beliefs and practices are united into one single moral community through religion. Religion has played an important role in human societies throughout history. It has provided people with a set of beliefs, values, and norms that guide their behavior and shape their understanding of the world. Religion has also served as a source of social control, regulating the behavior of individuals and groups within society. In this essay, I will explore the social control functions of religion, including how it reinforces social norms, maintains social order, and controls deviant behavior.
One of the primary social control functions of religion is to reinforce social norms. Norms are the rules that govern social behavior and are necessary for the smooth functioning of society. Religion helps to reinforce these norms by providing individuals with a moral code that guides their actions. For example, many religions have rules about honesty, kindness, and respect for others, which are essential for maintaining social harmony. Religion also reinforces gender roles, family values, and other social stability.
Another important function of religion is to maintain social order.
Religion provides individuals with a sense of belonging to a larger community and a shared set of beliefs and values.
This sense of belonging helps to maintain social cohesion, which is essential for social order.
Religions institutions play an important role in maintaining order by providing a forum for resolving disputes and promoting social justice.
Religious leaders can serve as mediators in conflicts and can help to promote reconciliation between individuals and groups.
Religion also serves as a mechanism for controlling deviant behavior.
Deviant behavior is any behavior that violates social norms and threatens social order. Religion can help to control deviant behavior by stigmatizing certain behaviors and providing moral guidance to individuals. For example, many religions condemn drug use, gambling, and other forms of deviant behavior. Religion can also provide individuals with a sense of guilt or shame when they engage in deviant behavior, which can deter them from continuing to engage in such behavior. In addition to these social control functions, religion can also provide individuals with a sense of purpose and meaning in life. This sense of purpose can help to reduce feelings of isolation and alienation, which can contribute to deviant behavior.
Religion can also provide individuals with a sense of hope and comfort in times of hardship and adversity, which can help to promote resilience and well-being.
Another important social control function of religion is its ability to promote social solidarity and unity.
Religion can help to create a sense of shared identity among its followers, bringing people together who might otherwise have little in common.
This shared identity can help to promote social solidarity and unity, which are essential for the functioning of society.
