Social control 81682 220961074 2008-06-22T12:13:18Z Gary P88 7232315 /* Applications of social control theory */ wikilinks / style [[Image:Summerfairesign.JPG|thumb|Signs warning of prohibited activities; an example of social control]] '''Social control''' refers to social mechanisms that regulate individual and group behavior, leading to [[Conformism|conformity]] and compliances to the rules of a given [[society]] or [[social group]]. Many mechanisms of social control are [[cross-cultural]], if only in the control mechanisms used to prevent the establishment of [[chaos]] or [[anomie]]. Some theorists, such as [[Emile Durkheim]], refer to this form of control as [[regulation]]. [[Sociologists]] identify two basic forms of social control: # [[Internalization]] of [[Norm (sociology)|norms]] and [[values]], and # The use of [[Sanctions (law)|sanctions]], which can be either positive ([[Reward system|reward]]s) or negative ([[punishment]]).<ref>{{Citation | last = Jary | first = David | last2 = Jary | first2 = Julia | title = The HarperCollins Dictionary of Sociology | place= New York | publisher = HarperCollins | year = 1991 | isbn =0064610365}}</ref> [[Social control theory]] began to be studied as a separate field in the early 20th century. Sociologist [[Edward A. Ross]] argued that [[belief]] systems exert a greater control on human behavior than specific laws, no matter what form the beliefs take. The means to enforce social control can thus be either formal or informal.<ref name = Poore>Poore, S. [http://www.hewett.norfolk.sch.uk/curric/soc/crime/s_contro.htm Overview of Social Control Theories]. The Hewett School. Retrieved on: [[September 2]], [[2007]].</ref> The social values that are present in individuals are products of informal social control. It is exercised by a society without explicitly stating these rules and is expressed through customs, [[social norm|norms]], and [[mores]]. Individuals are socialized whether it is conscious or subconscious. During informal sanctions, ridicule or ostracization can cause a straying towards norms. Through this form of socialization, the person will internalize these mores and norms. [[traditional values|Traditional society]] uses mostly informal social control embedded in its customary [[culture]] relying on the [[socialization]] of its members to establish social order. More rigidly-structured societies may place increased reliance on formal mechanisms. In formal controls, deviance is sanctioned, while conformity garners benefits. Each norm for individual society are relative from one culture and time. For example, at a [[Women's Institutes (British)|women's institute]] meeting, a disapproving look might convey the message that it is inappropriate to flirt with the minister. In a [[criminal gang]], on the other hand, a stronger sanction would be applied in the case of someone threatening to inform to the police.<ref>{{cite web | last = Livesay | first = Chris | title = Informal Social Control | work = Culture and Identity | publisher = Sociology Central | date = | url = http://www.sociology.org.uk/p2s5an4.htm | accessdate = 2007-09-08}}</ref> ==Formal social control== {{Main|Formal social control}} Formal social control is internalized through laws statutes, rules, and commands that function to maintain norms. Societies agree on norms through legislation and are present to maintain order. These legislations are passed based on popular support and voluntary compliance. ==Applications of social control theory== According to the [[propaganda model]] theory, the leaders of modern, [[corporate]]-dominated societies employ [[indoctrination]] as a means of social control. Theorists such as [[Noam Chomsky]] have argued that systematic [[bias]] exists in the modern media.<ref>{{Citation | last = Chomsky | first = Noam | last2 = Herman | first2 = Edward | title = Manufacturing Consent: The Political Economy of the Mass Media | place= New York | publisher = Pantheon | year = 1988 | isbn =0-679-72034-0}}</ref> The [[marketing]], [[advertising]], and [[public relations]] industries have thus been said to utilize [[mass communication]]s to aid the interests of certain business elites. Powerful economic and religious [[lobbyists]] have often used school systems and centralised electronic communications to influence [[public opinion]]. Democracy is restricted as the majority is not given the information necessary to make rational decisions about [[ethical]], social, environmental, or economic issues. In order to maintain control and regulate their subjects, [[authoritarianism|authoritarian]] organizations and governments promulgate rules and issue decrees. However, due to a lack of popular support for enforcement, these entities may rely more on force and other severe sanctions such as [[censorship]], [[expulsion]] and limits on [[freedom (political)|political freedom]]. Some [[totalitarianism|totalitarian]] governments, such as the late [[Soviet Union]] or the current [[North Korea]], rely on the mechanisms of the [[police state]]. Sociologists consider informal means of social control vital in maintaining public order, but also recognize the necessity of formal means as societies become more complex and for responding to emergencies. The study of social control falls primarily within the academic disciplines of [[anthropology]], [[political science]], and [[sociology]]. ==See also== * [[Social order]] * [[Social change]] * [[Social relations]] * [[Social construct]] * [[Sexual meanings]] * [[Social engineering (political science)|Social engineering]] * [[Mass surveillance]] * [[Criminal justice]] * [[Ethics]] ==Notes== {{reflist}} == External links == * [http://www.cas.sc.edu/socy/faculty/deflem/507soco.html Sociology of Social Control] - Outline of an undergraduate course. * [http://www.umsl.edu/~keelr/200/socontrl.html Sociology of social control] - Summary of ideas. * [http://www.vacilando.org/index.php?x=3072 Social control] [[Category:Surveillance]] [[Category:Sociology]] [[de:Soziale Sanktion]] [[et:Sotsiaalne kontroll]] [[es:Control social]] [[fr:Contrôle social]] [[it:Controllo sociale]] [[pl:Kontrola społeczna]] [[sr:Социјална контрола]]