ac 2.1 = explain forms of social control
what is social control
refers to the ways in which people's thoughts, feelings, appearance, and behaviours are regulated in social systems. social control involves forms of pressures to persuade or compel members of society to conform to the rules
theories
social bond theory
Hirschi, influenced by Durkheim, posits that human weaknesses make it difficult to resist temptation and turn to crime. Social bonds, such as family, school, and peers, encourage self-control and conformity. He identified four social bonds: beliefs, attachment, commitment, and involvement. Strong attachments encourage conformity, while weak relationships can lead to deviance. Strong commitment to goals like education increases conformity. Involvement in legitimate activities inhibits deviance, and strong moral beliefs restrain tendencies towards deviance.
containment theory
Reckless identified urban life as a temptation for crime, suggesting that individuals must break through inner and outer containment, including self control and social control. He identified four key factors: self-concept, goal orientation, frustration tolerance, and norm retention. Reckless believed that crime and delinquency are a product of the modern world, with norm erosion being the main issue. He emphasized the moral order and commitment of individuals, rather than blaming material inequality of opportunity.
internal forms of social control
rational ideology
Societal acceptance of ruling ideologies, which were once controlled through religious codes, has evolved into legal frameworks and systems. These systems, which are more formal and persuasive than moral codes, are effective in multicultural societies where various rituals and practices need to be controlled, such as FGM.
tradition
Traditions are customs and beliefs passed down through generations, forming part of our self-identity. Institutions like family, education, religion, and media instill these traditions, teaching politeness, respect, hierarchy, reward and punishment, and establishing social norms through repetition.
internalisation of social rules and morality
this is knowing what is right or wrong based upon social values. for example, not eating all the biscuits and leaving some for others; not cheating in an exam; not jumping the queue
external forms of social control
coercion
the use of force to achieve a desired end. it may be physical or non-violent. physical coercion = any form of bodily injury, imprisonment and death penalty. physical coercion is without doubt the lowest form of social control. non-violent coercion = metaphorical pressure e.g. strikes - refusal to cooperate.
fear of punishment
The fear of punishment by the state acts as an external control in an individual's behavior, deterring them from committing further crimes. This can be individual deterrence, where punishments are harsher for repeat offenders, or general deterrence.