SOCIAL CONTROL
Meaning:
Social control refers to the mechanisms, strategies, and institutions that societies use to
regulate individual behavior and ensure conformity to social norms and rules. It helps
maintain order, stability, and predictability in society.
Types of Social Control:
1. Formal Social Control
o Implemented by official institutions like the government, police, courts,
schools, etc.
o Based on written laws and rules.
o Punishments or rewards are clearly defined (e.g., fines, imprisonment,
certificates).
Examples:
o Law enforcement by police
o School rules and punishments
o Court judgments
2. Informal Social Control
o Comes from unofficial groups like family, friends, peer groups, religion, and
community.
o Based on customs, traditions, and norms.
o Uses social pressure, approval/disapproval, gossip, or praise to influence
behavior.
Examples:
o Parental guidance
o Social gossip to discourage bad behavior
o Praise from peers for good actions
3. Direct vs Indirect Social Control
Direct: Clear instructions or punishments (e.g., a teacher punishing a student).
Indirect: Internalized values or guilt that control behavior (e.g., feeling bad for lying).
4. Positive vs Negative Social Control
Positive: Rewards and praise to encourage good behavior.
Negative: Punishments or sanctions to discourage bad behavior.
Functions of Social Control:
1. Maintains Social Order
Ensures individuals follow rules, which reduces chaos and conflict.
2. Promotes Social Conformity
Encourages people to act in socially accepted ways.
3. Protects Social Values
Safeguards cultural, moral, and legal values of society.
4. Facilitates Socialization
Helps individuals learn societal norms from childhood.
5. Ensures Stability and Continuity
Prevents deviant behavior and maintains cultural traditions.
Agencies or Means of Social Control:
A. Formal Agencies (Institutionalized Means):
These are organized and work through established laws and rules.
Government – Enforces laws and maintains public order.
Police – Maintains law and order.
Judiciary (Courts) – Delivers justice and interprets the law.
Educational Institutions – Teach discipline, citizenship, and values.
Military – Protects national interests and enforces order during crises.
B. Informal Agencies (Non-Institutionalized Means):
These work through traditions, norms, and interpersonal relationships.
Family – First agent of socialization and control.
Peer Groups – Influence behavior through acceptance or rejection.
Religion – Regulates behavior through moral teachings and beliefs.
Community/Public Opinion – Rewards or punishes behavior through social feedback.
Media – Shapes attitudes and public opinion indirectly.
SOCIAL GROUPS
Meaning of Social Group:
A social group is a collection of two or more people who interact with each other, share a
sense of unity, and have common interests, goals, or identity.
TYPES OF SOCIAL GROUPS
There are two major types:
1. Primary Group
Meaning:
A primary group is a small, close-knit group with personal, direct, and emotional
relationships. These are usually long-term and play a key role in socialization.
Examples: -family, close friends, childhood playgroups
Features:
Small in size
Face-to-face interaction
Emotional attachment
Long-lasting relationships
Personal goals over formal objectives
Strong influence on attitudes, beliefs, and behavior
2. Secondary Group
Meaning:
A secondary group is a larger, more impersonal group based on formal, task-oriented
relationships. Interactions are goal-driven and often short-term.
Examples:
School or college classes
Workplaces
Political parties
Business organizations
Government departments
Features:
Large in size
Formal and impersonal relationships
Indirect communication (emails, meetings)
Short-term or goal-oriented association
Based on roles and status, not emotions
Less influence on personal development compared to primary groups
Key Points to Remember:
Primary groups shape our early behavior, emotions, and values.
Secondary groups help us achieve professional or societal goals.
Both are essential to human social life, serving different functions.
