Social control refers to the ways in which a society regulates the behavior of its members. There are two main types of social control: formal and informal.
Formal social control is the use of laws, rules, and regulations to control behavior. This type of social control is typically enforced by government institutions such as the police, the courts, and the prison system. Formal social control is typically more visible and widely known, as it is codified in the legal system and widely communicated through the media and other channels.
Informal social control, on the other hand, is the use of social norms, values, and expectations to regulate behavior. This type of social control is often less visible, as it is not codified in any formal system. Instead, it is enforced through social disapproval, peer pressure, and other subtle forms of social influence.
There are advantages and disadvantages to both formal and informal social control. Formal social control is typically more effective at deterring criminal behavior, as the consequences for breaking the law are often severe. However, it can also be inflexible and may not always be able to adapt to changing social norms and values.
Informal social control, on the other hand, is often more flexible and able to adapt to changing social norms. However, it is also less reliable, as it is not always effective at influencing behavior.
In reality, both formal and informal social control are important in maintaining social order. Formal social control is necessary to ensure that there are clear consequences for behavior that is harmful to society, while informal social control helps to ensure that individuals conform to the values and norms of their community.
Overall, it is important for a society to have both formal and informal social control in order to maintain social order and regulate the behavior of its members.
