Social control

Definition

Social control refers to the mechanisms, strategies, and institutions that societies use to regulate individual behavior and maintain order. This concept is crucial in understanding how societal norms and values shape actions, often influencing the way art, including video art and experimental film, engages with or challenges these norms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In the context of video art and experimental film in Asia, artists often use their work to critique or subvert established social controls imposed by governments or cultural norms.
2. Social control can manifest through various forms of censorship that affect the content and distribution of artistic works, particularly in countries with strict regulations.
3. Experimental filmmakers may challenge social control by addressing taboo topics, which can provoke dialogue around issues like identity, politics, and societal expectations.
4. The rise of digital platforms has altered traditional social control mechanisms, enabling artists to reach wider audiences while also facing new forms of surveillance.
5. Art as a form of social commentary can either reinforce or resist social control by highlighting disparities and encouraging viewers to question societal norms.

Review Questions

• How do norms within society influence the creation of video art and experimental film?
  • Norms within society significantly influence the creation of video art and experimental film by setting boundaries on what is considered acceptable or taboo. Artists often reflect these norms in their work but may also challenge them by addressing controversial subjects. This interplay between adhering to and resisting norms allows artists to provoke thought and encourage discussions around social control.
• Discuss how censorship acts as a form of social control in the context of Asian video art and experimental films.
  • Censorship serves as a critical mechanism of social control in Asian video art and experimental films by limiting the expression of ideas that are perceived as threatening to societal stability. Governments may impose restrictions on content that critiques authority or highlights social issues, which can stifle creativity. As a result, many artists navigate these restrictions creatively, finding ways to convey their messages through symbolism or subtext, thereby subverting traditional forms of control.
• Evaluate the impact of digital platforms on social control mechanisms affecting video art and experimental film in Asia.
  • Digital platforms have significantly transformed social control mechanisms impacting video art and experimental film in Asia by providing alternative avenues for distribution that bypass traditional gatekeepers. This shift allows artists to reach broader audiences without direct oversight from authorities. However, it also introduces new challenges such as increased surveillance and online censorship, forcing artists to adapt their strategies for engagement while continuing to push against the boundaries imposed by social control.

Related terms

Norms: Shared expectations and rules that guide behavior within a society.

Censorship: The suppression of speech, public communication, or other information deemed objectionable by authorities.

Surveillance: The monitoring of behavior and activities, often to maintain social order and enforce conformity.