Social Control

Unit II: Culture

Social Control

Every society develops norms that reflect the cultural values its members consider important

For society to run smoothly these norms must be upheld

Internalization of Norms

Internalization is the process by which a norm becomes a part of an individual’s personality

This conditions the individual to conform to society

We have to internalize otherwise society would be chaotic and unable to function

Sanctions

Sanctions are rewards or punishments used to enforce conformity to norms

Can we think of any examples?

Positive Sanctions

Positive sanctions are in the form of rewards

This can range from smiles or nods of the head in public to public ceremonies and rewards.

It encourages us to uphold social norms – it makes us feel good

Negative Sanctions

It is a punishment or the threat of punishment used to enforce conformity

Punishments can range from frowns, ridicule, or rejection to imprisonment or death

In general: the more important the norm, the more serious the punishment for nonconformity

Formal Sanctions

It is a reward or punishment that is given by some formal organization or regulatory body

Ex. Government, police, a corporation, schools

Examples?

Informal Sanctions

A spontaneous expression of approval or disapproval given by an individual or group

Examples?

Social Control

The enforcing of norms through either internalization or sanctions is called social control

Agents of social control: authority figures, police, the courts, religion, the family, public opinion

Social Control

The principal means of social control in all societies is self-control – learned through internalization of norms!!

When a society’s methods for ensuring conformity break down, social stability is lost

Individuals must follow certain rules of behavior if society is to function smoothly

Assessment

Create an example (do not use examples from class) of each of the following on a separate piece of paper:

Informal positive sanction

Informal negative sanction

Formal positive sanction

Formal negative sanction