Social Control Unit II: Culture
Jan 18, 2016
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