Social control refers to the various mechanisms and processes through which societies regulate and maintain order within their communities. It encompasses the norms, rules, and expectations that individuals are expected to adhere to in order to conform to societal standards. Social control can be formal, such as laws and regulations enforced by the government, or informal, such as social norms and peer pressure. It plays a crucial role in shaping individual behavior and maintaining social order.
Key Takeaways
Social Control |
---|
Mechanisms and processes used to regulate and maintain order in society |
Includes formal and informal methods |
Shapes individual behavior and maintains social order |
Understanding Social Control

Social control is a fundamental aspect of society that helps maintain order and regulate behavior. It encompasses various mechanisms and processes through which societal norms, cultural values, and social sanctions influence and shape individual and group behavior. In this section, we will explore the definition and concept of social control in more detail.
Definition of Social Control
Social control refers to the methods and strategies employed by a society to regulate and govern the behavior of its members. It involves the establishment and enforcement of social norms, which are the shared expectations and rules that guide individuals’ actions within a given social context. These norms are shaped by cultural values, moral codes, and societal expectations.
The concept of social control encompasses both formal and informal mechanisms. Formal social control refers to the explicit rules and regulations established by institutions such as laws, government agencies, and judicial systems. These mechanisms are enforced through the use of sanctions and punishments for non-compliance.
On the other hand, informal social control operates through socialization processes, peer pressure, and the influence of social institutions such as family, education, and religion. It relies on social norms, social conformity, and the internalization of societal rules to regulate behavior. Informal social control is often more subtle and indirect, relying on social pressure and the desire for acceptance within a community.
The Concept of Social Control
The concept of social control is rooted in the idea that individuals’ behavior is influenced by their social environment and the power structures within society. It recognizes that social order and stability are maintained through the regulation and management of human conduct.
Social control theory posits that individuals are motivated to conform to societal norms due to the fear of punishment or the desire for rewards. It suggests that deviant behavior occurs when individuals lack strong social bonds, experience weak socialization, or face limited opportunities for legitimate success.
In addition to formal and informal mechanisms, social control can also be exerted through various behavior modification techniques. These techniques aim to shape and regulate behavior through positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, or punishment. They are often employed in areas such as education, healthcare, and criminal justice systems.
Overall, social control plays a crucial role in maintaining social order, preventing deviant behavior, and promoting adherence to societal rules. It is a complex and multifaceted process that operates at both individual and collective levels, shaping the behavior of individuals and influencing the functioning of society as a whole.
Key Points |
---|
– Social control involves the regulation and governance of behavior in society. |
– It encompasses both formal and informal mechanisms. |
– Formal social control is enforced through explicit rules and regulations. |
– Informal social control operates through socialization processes and peer pressure. |
– Social control theory suggests that individuals conform to societal norms due to fear of punishment or desire for rewards. |
– Behavior modification techniques are used to shape and regulate behavior. |
In conclusion, understanding social control is essential for comprehending how societal rules, norms, and values shape individual and group behavior. It involves a combination of formal and informal mechanisms that work together to maintain social order and regulate conduct. By exploring the concept of social control, we gain insights into the complex dynamics that govern human behavior within society.
The Importance of Social Control
Social control plays a crucial role in maintaining order and harmony within a society. It encompasses various mechanisms and processes that regulate and influence social behavior, ensuring that individuals conform to societal norms and expectations. Without social control, society would descend into chaos, with individuals acting solely based on their own desires and disregarding the well-being of others.
Why Social Control is Necessary
Societal norms and cultural values form the foundation of social control. These norms and values are established through the socialization process, where individuals learn the acceptable behaviors and moral codes of their society. Social control mechanisms help to reinforce these norms and ensure that individuals adhere to them.
One of the key reasons why social control is necessary is to maintain social order. By regulating behavior and enforcing societal rules, social control helps to prevent the occurrence of deviant behavior that can disrupt the functioning of society. It acts as a deterrent, discouraging individuals from engaging in actions that are considered undesirable or harmful.
Social control also serves to protect the well-being and safety of individuals within a society. It helps to prevent and address negative behaviors such as crime, violence, and drug abuse. Through the implementation of laws and regulations, social control provides a framework for addressing and managing such issues, ensuring the overall welfare of the community.
The Role of Social Control in Society
Social control plays a vital role in shaping and maintaining the social structure of a society. It helps to establish and reinforce power structures, ensuring that individuals adhere to the established hierarchy and maintain social order. By regulating behavior and enforcing norms, social control contributes to the stability and functioning of society as a whole.
Both formal and informal social control mechanisms exist within society. Formal social control refers to the use of laws, regulations, and institutions to regulate behavior and enforce societal norms. These mechanisms are typically enforced by the government and legal authorities. Informal social control, on the other hand, relies on social influence, peer pressure, and cultural values to shape behavior. It is often enforced through social sanctions and the disapproval of others.
In summary, social control is essential for maintaining a well-functioning society. It ensures that individuals adhere to societal norms, regulates behavior, and prevents the occurrence of deviant actions. By establishing and reinforcing social order, social control contributes to the overall stability and harmony of a community.
Types of Social Control
Social control refers to the mechanisms and processes through which societies regulate and influence the behavior of individuals. It is a fundamental aspect of maintaining social order and ensuring that members of a society adhere to societal norms and cultural values. There are two main types of social control: formal social control and informal social control.
Formal Social Control
Formal social control refers to the mechanisms and institutions established by society to regulate and control behavior. These mechanisms are typically based on laws, rules, and regulations that are enforced by the government or other authoritative bodies. Formal social control is characterized by its explicit and codified nature, as it is based on written rules and regulations.
One example of formal social control is the legal system. Laws are created to define acceptable and unacceptable behavior within a society. They provide a framework for maintaining social order and ensuring that individuals are held accountable for their actions. The legal system includes courts, police forces, and other law enforcement agencies that are responsible for enforcing the law and punishing those who violate it.
Another example of formal social control is the establishment of public spaces and services. Public areas such as parks, libraries, and public transportation systems are designed to provide a safe and regulated environment for individuals to engage in various activities. These spaces are governed by rules and regulations that aim to maintain order and ensure the well-being of the public.
Formal social control also extends to areas such as drug control and public health. Laws and regulations are put in place to regulate the production, distribution, and consumption of drugs, as well as to protect public health and safety. These measures are implemented to prevent the negative consequences associated with drug abuse and to promote the overall well-being of society.
Informal Social Control
In contrast to formal social control, informal social control refers to the mechanisms and processes through which individuals regulate and influence the behavior of others in a more indirect and unofficial manner. It is based on social norms, cultural values, and social sanctions rather than explicit rules and regulations.
Informal social control operates through social influence and the power of social relationships. It is often enforced through social pressure, social conformity, and social coercion. Informal social control is deeply ingrained in the socialization process, as individuals learn and internalize societal rules and expectations through interactions with others.
One example of informal social control is the enforcement of moral codes and societal expectations. Society has certain standards of behavior that are considered acceptable and desirable. These standards are reinforced through social interactions, where individuals are praised or criticized based on their adherence to these norms. This form of social control relies on the collective judgment and influence of the community.
Another example of informal social control is behavior modification through socialization. From an early age, individuals are socialized to conform to societal norms and values. Through the process of socialization, individuals learn the appropriate behaviors and attitudes that are expected of them. This process helps to shape and regulate social behavior, ensuring that individuals align with the expectations of their society.
In conclusion, social control is a vital aspect of maintaining social order and regulating behavior within a society. It encompasses both formal and informal mechanisms that work together to shape and enforce societal rules and expectations. While formal social control relies on explicit laws and regulations, informal social control operates through social influence, cultural values, and social sanctions. Together, these types of social control contribute to the overall functioning and stability of a society.
Social Control Theory
Social Control Theory in Criminology
The Social Control Theory in criminology focuses on how societal norms, cultural values, and social institutions influence and regulate individual behavior. It suggests that individuals are motivated to conform to societal expectations due to the fear of social sanctions and the desire to maintain social order. This theory emphasizes the role of socialization processes and the influence of social control mechanisms in shaping behavior.
In the context of criminology, social control theory suggests that individuals are more likely to engage in deviant behavior when they lack strong bonds to conventional society. These bonds can include attachment to family, commitment to societal goals, involvement in conventional activities, and belief in moral codes. When these bonds are weak or absent, individuals may be more susceptible to engaging in criminal activities.
The theory also highlights the role of informal and formal social control mechanisms in preventing and controlling deviant behavior. Informal social control refers to the social pressure and informal sanctions that individuals face from their immediate social environment, such as family, friends, and community. Formal social control, on the other hand, involves the use of laws, regulations, and punishment by the criminal justice system to deter and control deviant behavior.
Social Control Theory in Sociology
In sociology, the Social Control Theory examines how social structures and power dynamics influence individual behavior and maintain social order. It explores how societal rules, norms, and expectations shape and regulate social behavior. The theory suggests that individuals conform to these social norms due to the fear of social sanctions and the desire for social acceptance.
Social control theory posits that individuals are socialized into conforming to societal expectations through various socialization processes. These processes include the transmission of cultural values, norms, and moral codes from one generation to another. Through socialization, individuals internalize these societal expectations and develop a sense of right and wrong.
The theory also emphasizes the role of social institutions, such as family, education, religion, and the media, in promoting social conformity and regulating behavior. These institutions play a crucial role in shaping individuals’ attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors, aligning them with societal norms and values.
In summary, the Social Control Theory in criminology and sociology provides insights into how societal norms, social influence, and cultural values contribute to the regulation of social behavior. It highlights the importance of social control mechanisms, both informal and formal, in maintaining social order and preventing deviant behavior. By understanding these dynamics, researchers and policymakers can develop strategies to promote social conformity and reduce deviant behavior in society.
Social Control Mechanisms
The Role of Social Control Mechanisms
Social control mechanisms play a crucial role in maintaining social order and regulating behavior within a society. These mechanisms are put in place to ensure that individuals adhere to societal norms, cultural values, and moral codes. They serve as a means of socializing individuals and promoting conformity to the expectations and rules of a particular society.
One of the primary functions of social control mechanisms is to influence and shape social behavior. Through various forms of social influence, such as social pressure and the enforcement of social norms, individuals are encouraged to conform to the accepted standards of their community. This helps to maintain social cohesion and prevent deviant behavior that may disrupt the smooth functioning of society.
Social control mechanisms can be both formal and informal. Formal mechanisms are typically established by the law and are enforced by institutions such as the police, courts, and other legal authorities. These mechanisms involve direct control and punishment for those who violate societal rules. On the other hand, informal mechanisms rely on social sanctions and the power of social influence to regulate behavior. They are often enforced by social groups, communities, and individuals through social disapproval, ostracism, or other non-legal means.
Examples of Social Control Mechanisms
There are numerous examples of social control mechanisms that are employed in different areas of society. Let’s explore a few of them:
-
Law Enforcement: The legal system is a formal social control mechanism that aims to maintain order and prevent undesirable behavior. It includes laws, regulations, and the enforcement agencies responsible for upholding them. By establishing consequences for deviant behavior, the law acts as a deterrent and promotes social compliance.
-
Social Norms: Social norms are informal rules that guide behavior in a society. They are often learned through the socialization process and are reinforced through social pressure and the desire for acceptance. Social norms can vary across different cultures and communities, influencing behavior in areas such as dress code, manners, and social interactions.
-
Peer Pressure: Peer pressure is a powerful informal social control mechanism, particularly among young people. It involves the influence exerted by one’s peers to conform to certain behaviors or attitudes. Peer pressure can be both positive, encouraging individuals to engage in prosocial activities, or negative, leading to participation in risky or harmful behaviors.
-
Social Institutions: Institutions such as schools, religious organizations, and workplaces play a significant role in social control. They establish rules, codes of conduct, and expectations that guide behavior within their respective domains. These institutions provide structure and guidance, shaping individuals’ behavior and promoting social order.
-
Public Shaming: Public shaming is an informal social control mechanism that relies on social disapproval and humiliation to regulate behavior. It involves exposing individuals who have violated social norms or engaged in deviant behavior to public scrutiny and criticism. Public shaming aims to deter others from engaging in similar actions by highlighting the consequences of deviating from societal expectations.
In summary, social control mechanisms are essential for maintaining social order, regulating behavior, and promoting conformity to societal norms. They encompass both formal and informal mechanisms that influence individuals’ actions and ensure the smooth functioning of society. By understanding these mechanisms, we can gain insights into the complex dynamics of social behavior and the forces that shape our interactions within a given community.
The Impact of Social Media on Social Control

Social media has become an integral part of our lives, revolutionizing the way we communicate, connect, and share information. It has also had a significant impact on social control, influencing societal norms, cultural values, and the regulation of social behavior. In this article, we will explore how social media controls our lives and discuss strategies for controlling social media addiction.
How Social Media Controls Our Lives
Social media platforms have the power to shape and influence our behavior in various ways. They provide a space where individuals can express their opinions, share experiences, and engage with others. This constant exposure to different perspectives and ideas can influence societal norms and cultural values. As people conform to the behaviors and opinions they encounter on social media, it can lead to the enforcement of certain social norms and the regulation of deviant behavior.
One way social media controls our lives is through the power of social influence. When we see others engaging in certain activities or adopting specific behaviors on social media, we may feel compelled to follow suit. This social pressure can lead to the modification of our own behavior, as we strive to fit in and meet societal expectations.
Another aspect of social media’s control is the use of social sanctions. Social media platforms often have mechanisms in place to reward or punish certain behaviors. Likes, comments, and shares serve as positive reinforcements, while negative comments or being ignored can act as social sanctions. These mechanisms can influence individuals to conform to certain behaviors and discourage deviant or undesirable actions.
Controlling Social Media Addiction
While social media offers numerous benefits, it is essential to maintain a healthy balance and avoid addiction. Here are some strategies for controlling social media addiction:
-
Set limits: Establish specific time limits for social media usage and stick to them. Use apps or features that can help you track and manage your screen time.
-
Create tech-free zones: Designate certain areas or times of the day where you disconnect from social media entirely. This can be during meals, before bedtime, or when spending quality time with loved ones.
-
Engage in offline activities: Find hobbies, sports, or other activities that you enjoy and actively participate in them. This will help divert your attention from social media and provide a healthier balance in your life.
-
Practice mindfulness: Be aware of your social media usage and its impact on your well-being. Take breaks when needed, and focus on being present in the real world rather than constantly seeking validation or comparison online.
-
Seek support: If you find it challenging to control your social media usage, consider reaching out to friends, family, or professionals for support. They can provide guidance and accountability to help you break free from excessive social media consumption.
By implementing these strategies, you can regain control over your social media usage and ensure that it does not negatively impact your life.
In conclusion, social media has undoubtedly influenced social control by shaping societal norms, regulating behavior, and exerting social pressure. While it offers numerous benefits, it is crucial to be mindful of its impact and take steps to control social media addiction. By striking a balance between online and offline activities, we can harness the positive aspects of social media while maintaining our autonomy and well-being.
The Role of Social Control in Community
Social control plays a crucial role in maintaining order and harmony within a community. It encompasses the various mechanisms and processes through which societal norms, cultural values, and behavioral expectations are enforced. By regulating social behavior, social control helps to create a sense of social order and cohesion among community members.
How Social Control Works in Community
In a community, social control operates through a combination of formal and informal mechanisms. These mechanisms are designed to influence and regulate individual behavior, ensuring that it aligns with the accepted norms and values of the society. Let’s explore some of the key aspects of how social control works in a community:
-
Social Norms and Cultural Values: Societal norms and cultural values serve as the foundation for social control. They provide a framework for acceptable behavior and guide individuals in their interactions with others. These norms and values are learned through the socialization process, which helps individuals internalize the expectations of their community.
-
Social Sanctions: Social control relies on the use of social sanctions to encourage conformity and discourage deviant behavior. Social sanctions can be positive or negative, ranging from rewards and praise for conforming behavior to punishment and criticism for deviant behavior. These sanctions can be informal, such as social disapproval or exclusion, or formal, such as legal consequences.
-
Power Structures and Social Order: Social control is influenced by power structures within a community. Those in positions of authority, such as government officials, law enforcement agencies, and community leaders, play a significant role in maintaining social order. They have the power to enforce rules and regulations, ensuring compliance and deterring deviant behavior.
-
Social Regulation Mechanisms: Various mechanisms are employed to regulate social behavior and maintain social control. These mechanisms include laws, rules, and regulations that govern different aspects of community life, such as public spaces, services, and activities. For example, laws against drug use in public areas aim to deter undesirable behavior and promote a safe and orderly environment.
-
Socialization and Behavior Modification: Social control is closely linked to the socialization process, which shapes individuals’ behavior and attitudes. Through socialization, individuals internalize moral codes, societal expectations, and behavioral norms. This process helps to foster social conformity and ensure that individuals adhere to the established rules and norms of their community.
Social Control and Social Issues
Social control plays a crucial role in addressing and mitigating social issues within a community. By regulating behavior and enforcing societal rules, it helps to prevent and control negative behaviors that can harm individuals and society as a whole. Let’s explore the relationship between social control and social issues:
-
Preventing Undesirable Behavior: Social control mechanisms aim to prevent and deter undesirable behavior within a community. By establishing rules and regulations, communities can discourage activities that may lead to harm, conflict, or disruption. For example, laws against theft and violence help to maintain a safe and secure environment for community members.
-
Promoting Social Cohesion: Social control contributes to the promotion of social cohesion and unity within a community. By encouraging conformity to societal norms and values, it fosters a sense of belonging and shared identity among community members. This, in turn, helps to build trust, cooperation, and mutual support within the community.
-
Addressing Deviant Behavior: Social control mechanisms are essential in addressing deviant behavior that goes against societal norms. By identifying and addressing deviant behavior, communities can prevent its escalation and potential negative consequences. This can involve various interventions, such as counseling, rehabilitation programs, or legal measures, depending on the severity of the behavior.
-
Maintaining Social Order: Social control is crucial for maintaining social order and stability within a community. It helps to prevent the breakdown of social norms and values, ensuring that individuals can coexist peacefully and harmoniously. By regulating behavior and resolving conflicts, social control contributes to the overall well-being and functioning of a community.
In conclusion, social control plays a vital role in maintaining order, promoting social cohesion, and addressing social issues within a community. Through a combination of formal and informal mechanisms, it helps to regulate behavior, enforce societal norms, and ensure the smooth functioning of society. By understanding how social control works and its significance, communities can strive towards creating a safe, inclusive, and thriving environment for all its members.
Social Control and Individual Behavior
Social control refers to the mechanisms and processes through which societies regulate and influence the behavior of individuals. It encompasses a wide range of societal norms, cultural values, and power structures that shape and guide social behavior. In this article, we will explore two aspects of social control: controlling social anxiety in public and the relationship between social control and social deviance.
Controlling Social Anxiety in Public
Social anxiety is a common experience that many individuals face when interacting with others in public settings. It is characterized by feelings of self-consciousness, fear of judgment, and a desire to avoid social situations. Fortunately, there are strategies that can help individuals manage and overcome social anxiety.
One effective approach is gradual exposure to social situations. By gradually exposing oneself to social settings, such as attending small gatherings or engaging in group activities, individuals can gradually build their confidence and reduce anxiety. Additionally, practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or mindfulness, can help individuals manage their anxiety symptoms in the moment.
Another helpful strategy is cognitive restructuring. This involves challenging negative thoughts and beliefs about social situations and replacing them with more positive and realistic ones. By reframing thoughts and focusing on positive aspects of social interactions, individuals can reduce their anxiety and feel more at ease in public settings.
Social Control and Social Deviance
Social control plays a crucial role in maintaining social order and regulating deviant behavior within a society. Deviant behavior refers to actions that violate societal norms and expectations. It can range from minor infractions, such as littering, to more serious offenses, such as theft or violence.
Societies employ various mechanisms to control and discourage deviant behavior. These mechanisms can be categorized into informal and formal social control. Informal social control refers to the unwritten rules and social pressures that encourage individuals to conform to societal expectations. It includes mechanisms such as peer pressure, socialization processes, and the enforcement of moral codes.
On the other hand, formal social control involves the use of laws, regulations, and institutions to regulate behavior. It includes the legal system, law enforcement agencies, and other formal mechanisms of control. These formal mechanisms often involve the use of punishment as a deterrent to deviant behavior.
In summary, social control is a fundamental aspect of society that influences individual behavior. It encompasses a wide range of mechanisms, from societal norms and cultural values to formal laws and regulations. By understanding and studying social control, we can gain insights into how societies maintain order and regulate behavior.
The Debate on Social Control

Is Social Control Good or Bad?
The concept of social control has long been a topic of debate among scholars, sociologists, and individuals alike. It revolves around the regulation and influence of societal norms, cultural values, and power structures on social behavior. Social control mechanisms, such as social sanctions and the enforcement of social norms, aim to maintain social order and promote conformity within a society. However, the question arises: is social control inherently good or bad?
On one hand, proponents argue that social control is essential for maintaining a functioning society. It provides a framework for behavior modification and ensures that individuals adhere to moral codes and societal expectations. By establishing rules and regulations, social control helps create a sense of order and stability. It acts as a deterrent against deviant behavior and promotes social discipline.
Moreover, social control theory suggests that individuals are influenced by their environment and the social pressures they face. By implementing social control mechanisms, society can shape and guide individuals towards desired behaviors. This theory emphasizes the importance of socialization processes and the role of social institutions in fostering social conformity.
On the other hand, critics argue that social control can be used as a tool for oppression and manipulation. They highlight instances where social control has been misused to enforce unjust laws or maintain power imbalances. Formal social control, such as laws and regulations, can sometimes infringe upon individual freedoms and limit personal autonomy.
Additionally, informal social control, which includes social pressure and conformity, can lead to the suppression of individuality and the stifling of diverse perspectives. Critics argue that excessive social control can hinder creativity, innovation, and progress within a society.
The Controversy Surrounding Social Control
The controversy surrounding social control stems from the balance between maintaining social order and safeguarding individual rights. While some argue that social control is necessary for a well-functioning society, others caution against the potential negative consequences it may have on personal freedom and individual expression.
It is important to note that the effectiveness and ethical implications of social control can vary depending on the context and the specific mechanisms employed. For example, laws and regulations can be both direct and indirect forms of social control. While they aim to deter undesirable behavior and maintain order, they can also inadvertently lead to an increase in early criminalization and the marginalization of certain groups.
In conclusion, the debate on social control is multifaceted and complex. It involves weighing the benefits of maintaining social order and conformity against the potential infringement on individual rights and freedoms. Striking a balance between social control and personal autonomy is crucial for creating a just and inclusive society.
Conclusion
In conclusion, social control plays a crucial role in maintaining order and stability within a society. It encompasses various mechanisms and processes that influence individuals to conform to societal norms and expectations. Through formal institutions like laws and regulations, as well as informal mechanisms such as socialization and peer pressure, social control helps to prevent deviant behavior and promote social cohesion. While social control can sometimes be seen as restrictive, it is necessary for the functioning of any society. By establishing boundaries and enforcing norms, social control contributes to the overall well-being and harmony of a community.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the definition of social control in sociology?
Social control in sociology refers to the mechanisms, both formal and informal, that society uses to regulate individual and group behavior. This includes societal norms, cultural values, power structures, and social sanctions aimed at maintaining social order.
2. How does social control work in the context of social control theory?
Social control theory suggests that our behavior is influenced by relationships, commitments, values, and norms. Essentially, our bonds to family, school, and other societal institutions are what constrain us from engaging in antisocial or deviant behavior.
3. Is social control informal or formal?
Social control can be both informal and formal. Informal social control refers to the enforcement of societal norms through social pressure, societal expectations, and cultural values. Formal social control, on the other hand, involves the use of legal and official systems such as laws, regulations, and institutions to regulate behavior.
4. How does social control institute in the community?
Social control is instituted in the community through various mechanisms like societal norms, social influence, and social sanctions. These mechanisms, whether formal or informal, aim to maintain social order and discourage deviant behavior.
5. What does social control refer to in terms of societal rules and expectations?
Social control refers to the concept of how society and its rules, norms, and expectations influence individual and group behavior. It includes both formal mechanisms (like laws and regulations) and informal mechanisms (like social pressure and expectations) to ensure social conformity.
6. How can one control social media addiction?
Controlling social media addiction involves behavior modification techniques such as setting clear boundaries for usage, taking regular breaks, and using tools or apps that limit screen time. It is also important to engage in other activities that promote physical and mental health.
7. Why is social control necessary in the context of societal norms and social order?
Social control is necessary to maintain social order and societal norms. Without it, there would be chaos and disorder as individuals would be free to act without considering the consequences for society at large. It’s a way to ensure social compliance and discipline.
8. What is the concept of social control in criminology?
In criminology, social control refers to the ways in which society prevents and manages deviant behavior. This involves both formal social control, such as law enforcement and legal sanctions, and informal social control, such as societal norms and expectations.
9. How does the government control social media in reference to social control?
The government can exercise control over social media through regulations and laws regarding content, privacy, and data usage. This form of control is a formal type of social control that aims to regulate behavior and maintain social order in the digital space.
10. How does social control influence the development of societal norms?
Social control plays a significant role in the development of societal norms. It is through social control mechanisms like social sanctions, social pressure, and societal expectations that norms are reinforced and maintained. This process helps shape the social structure and order of a society.