Meaning of Social Control
Social control refers to the influence exerted by society to ensure that individuals conform to established norms, values, and mores for the overall welfare and stability of the group. It serves as a mechanism to regulate behavior, ensuring social harmony and order. Social control helps individuals do the right things and promotes conformity, which is essential due to human variability and the dynamic nature of environmental influences.
Definitions of Social Control
- Mannheim: Social control is “the sum of those methods by which a society tries to influence human behavior to maintain a given order.”
- MacIver: Social control is “the way in which social order joins together and maintains itself, how it operates as a whole as a changing equilibrium balance.”
- General Definitions:
- It is the pattern of pressure exerted by society to maintain order and enforce established rules.
- It is a system of devices through which society aligns individual behavior with accepted standards.
Means or Types of Social Control
Social control is broadly classified into two categories: Informal and Formal.
1. Informal Means of Social Control:
Informal control is exercised through customs, traditions, norms, and social values, often exerted subconsciously within the community. Key informal means include:
- Belief:
Religious beliefs significantly influence behavior by instilling values and moral codes.
- Social Suggestions:
Ideas passed to younger generations, such as celebrating anniversaries of great people or sharing exemplary stories, shape behavior.
- Ideologies:
Ideologies like Gandhian principles, capitalism, and communism guide social behavior by providing a framework for actions and decisions.
- Customs:
Customs regulate behavior by encouraging adherence to age-old practices.
- Folkways:
Everyday habits or routines that guide minor interactions in society, like greetings or table manners.
- Mores:
Strongly held norms that are crucial for social cohesion, such as honesty and respect.
- Norms:
Established standards for acceptable behavior in various contexts.
- Religion:
Religious teachings and practices create moral obligations and community solidarity.
- Art and Literature:
Art forms like classical dance or religious epics (e.g., Ramayana, Bible) subtly instill values.
- Humor and Satire:
Cartoons, comics, and satires serve as indirect criticisms of undesirable behaviors, promoting adherence to social values.
- Public Opinion:
Fear of public criticism and the need for social recognition encourage individuals to conform to accepted norms.
2. Formal Means of Social Control:
Formal control is institutionalized and enforced through explicit mechanisms like laws and regulations. Key formal means include:
- Law:
A set of codified rules created and enforced by authorized bodies like the judiciary and police ensures compliance and punishes violations.
- Education:
Education inculcates discipline, honesty, and societal norms, preparing individuals for responsible social living.
- Coercion (Force):
- Physical Coercion: Includes penalties like imprisonment or death for severe violations.
- Non-violent Coercion: Methods such as strikes, boycotts, or non-cooperation between individuals or groups serve as control measures.
Role of Social Control in Society (Need for Social Control)
- To Maintain the Old Order:
Social control ensures the continuity of traditional values and practices. For instance, elder family members enforce customs and influence decisions like marriages.
- To Establish Social Unity:
Social control fosters unity by regulating behavior through shared norms and values, preventing societal disintegration.
- To Regulate Individual Behavior:
Since individuals vary in attitudes and behaviors, social control ensures society remains orderly. Without regulation, society risks descending into chaos.
- To Provide Social Sanction:
Social control legitimizes actions and behaviors through customs, folkways, and mores, ensuring adherence to societal standards.
- To Check Cultural Maladjustment:
As societies evolve, individuals may adopt harmful habits or lifestyles (e.g., addiction to nightlife or bars). Social control mitigates such maladjustments by reinforcing appropriate behaviors.
