What is Social Control? Describe the theories , challenges and types of social control.
What is Social Control? Describe the theories , challenges and types of social control.
Introduction of Social control
Social control is the process by which society regulates individual and group behavior to ensure conformity to established norms, rules, and laws. It involves various mechanisms and institutions, both formal (such as laws and law enforcement) and informal (such as social norms, customs, and peer pressure), that work to maintain order and prevent deviance within a community or society
Definition of Social Control
Talcott Parsons:
Definition: Social control refers to “the mechanisms by which conformity to norms is achieved.”
Explanation: Parsons views social control as a key function of social systems, ensuring that individuals act in ways that maintain the stability and functionality of society.
G.H. Mead:
Definition: Social control is “the organized social process by which social groups attempt to influence the behavior of their members.”
Explanation: Mead focuses on the social process aspect, where groups within society actively work to shape and regulate individual behavior according to collective norms.
Types of Social Control:
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Formal Social Control:
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Definition: Enforced by authorized agents, such as the police, judiciary, military, and other governmental institutions.
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Methods: Laws, regulations, fines, imprisonment, and other forms of legal punishment.
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Example: A person speeding on a highway might receive a ticket from the police, enforcing the law against speeding.
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Informal Social Control:
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Definition: Enforced by ordinary people through social norms and expectations.
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Methods: Socialization, peer pressure, family upbringing, ridicule, gossip, or social exclusion.
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Example: A community might ostracize someone who consistently violates social norms, like lying or stealing.
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From here we will describe the theories of Social Control
Theories of Social Control:
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Control Theory (Travis Hirschi):
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This theory posits that people are naturally inclined to break rules but are prevented from doing so by strong social bonds, including attachment to family, commitment to societal goals, involvement in activities, and belief in the moral validity of laws.
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Structural Functionalism:
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This perspective views social control as necessary for maintaining societal stability and order. Institutions like the family, education, and religion play crucial roles in socializing individuals and instilling norms.
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Conflict Theory:
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From this viewpoint, social control is seen as a tool used by dominant groups to maintain power and suppress marginalized groups. Laws and norms may reflect the interests of the powerful, leading to the unequal treatment of different social groups.
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Importance of Social Control:
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Maintaining Order: Social control helps prevent chaos and ensures predictable, orderly behavior within society.
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Promoting Socialization: Through social control, individuals learn and internalize societal norms, values, and expectations.
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Facilitating Cooperation: By encouraging adherence to shared norms, social control fosters cooperation and social cohesion.
Challenges of Social Control:
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Cultural Diversity: In multicultural societies, differing norms and values can make social control more complex.
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Social Change: Rapid social change can disrupt established norms, requiring adjustments in social control mechanisms.
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Power Dynamics: the subject performing the action is “social control mechanisms”