Social control

Definition

Social control encompasses the mechanisms, strategies, and institutions that societies utilize to ensure conformity to norms, rules, and laws. It operates both formally, through laws and regulations, enforced by authorities, and informally through socialization and cultural norms.

Related terms

Norms: The unwritten but understood rules of a society or culture for the behaviors that are considered acceptable and expected.

Deviance: Behavior that violates social norms, values, or laws, which can lead to sanctions from formal institutions or informal groups.

Sanctions: These are reactions from others to the behavior of an individual or group, intended to enforce norms and laws; they can be positive (rewards) or negative (punishments)