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Understanding Informal and Formal Social Control Methods in Society

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Saffron

2/6/2023

Criminology

Unit 4, AC 2.1- Explain forms of social control

Understanding Informal and Formal Social Control Methods in Society

Formal and informal social control mechanisms play a crucial role in maintaining social order and preventing criminal behavior. This comprehensive guide explores internal and external forms of control, their implementation through various agencies, and theoretical frameworks explaining their effectiveness.

  • Internal forms of social control include the superego, cultural traditions, and internalized social rules
  • External control methods encompass agencies of social control, coercion, and the Criminal Justice System
  • Control theory, particularly Hirschi's bonds of attachment, explains how social bonds prevent criminal behavior
  • Both formal and informal mechanisms work together to maintain social order and prevent deviance
  • Feminist perspectives highlight gender-specific aspects of social control
...

2/6/2023

1222

AC 2.1: Explain forms of
social control Superego:
• The superego/moral conscience is
●
developed through early socialisation, it
tells us wh

View

External Forms of Social Control

This page delves into the external forms of social control, which are mechanisms imposed by society to regulate individual behavior. These forms of control are more visible and often involve formal institutions and systems.

Agencies of social control are organisations or institutions that impose rules to shape behavior. These can include family, peer groups, and the education system. These agencies can employ both positive and negative sanctions to encourage desired behavior.

Coercion is a significant external form of social control, involving the use or threat of force (physical or psychological) to compel individuals to act in a certain way. The criminal justice system often utilises coercion through negative sanctions, such as imprisonment.

The Criminal Justice System (CJS) plays a crucial role in external social control. It comprises various agencies with the power to enforce formal legal sanctions. These include the police, Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), judges, magistrates, and the prison service.

Example: The police have powers to stop, search, arrest, detain, and question suspects, demonstrating how the CJS exerts external social control.

Highlight: Fear of punishment is a key aspect of external social control, aiming to deter individuals from committing offenses.

Vocabulary: Formal social control refers to the official mechanisms, such as laws and regulations, used to maintain order in society.

AC 2.1: Explain forms of
social control Superego:
• The superego/moral conscience is
●
developed through early socialisation, it
tells us wh

View

Control Theory in Criminology

This page explores control theory in criminology, focusing on Travis Hirschi's concept of bonds of attachment. This theory provides insights into why individuals conform to societal norms and refrain from criminal behavior.

Hirschi argues that crime occurs when an individual's bonds to society are weak. He identifies four key elements of social bonding:

  1. Attachment: The more individuals care about others' opinions, the less likely they are to engage in criminal activity.
  2. Commitment: A strong commitment to conventional lifestyles, such as education and employment, reduces the likelihood of offending.
  3. Involvement: Active participation in positive activities, like community work or studying, leaves less time for criminal behavior.
  4. Beliefs: Socialisation that instills a belief in obeying the law decreases the probability of offending.

The theory emphasizes the importance of parenting in creating strong social bonds. Parents are encouraged to be involved in their children's lives, take an interest in their education and friendships, and express disapproval of criminal behavior.

Definition: Control theory in criminology focuses on the factors that prevent individuals from engaging in criminal behavior, rather than what causes them to commit crimes.

Highlight: Youth clubs and community involvement are justified as crime prevention measures based on control theory principles.

Quote: "Crime only occurs when someone's bonds to society are weak." - This summarizes the core premise of Hirschi's control theory.

The page also briefly mentions feminist perspectives on social control and crime. Heidensohn argues that women's low offending rate is due to their oppression in patriarchal society, while Carlen suggests that women who experienced family abuse or were in care failed to form strong bonds of attachment, leading to criminal behavior.

AC 2.1: Explain forms of
social control Superego:
• The superego/moral conscience is
●
developed through early socialisation, it
tells us wh

View

Control Theory and Social Bonds

The final page explores social control theory and its applications, particularly focusing on Hirschi's bonds of attachment theory.

Quote: "Crime only occurs when someone's bonds to society are weak" - Travis Hirschi

Definition: Control theory explains how social bonds and attachments prevent individuals from engaging in criminal behavior.

Example: Youth clubs and community involvement programs demonstrate practical applications of control theory principles.

Highlight: Feminist perspectives, including Heidensohn's and Carlen's work, provide important insights into gender-specific aspects of social control.

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Criminology

1,222

Feb 6, 2023

4 pages

Understanding Informal and Formal Social Control Methods in Society

Formal and informal social control mechanisms play a crucial role in maintaining social order and preventing criminal behavior. This comprehensive guide explores internal and external forms of control, their implementation through various agencies, and theoretical frameworks explaining their effectiveness.

  • Internal... Show more
AC 2.1: Explain forms of
social control Superego:
• The superego/moral conscience is
●
developed through early socialisation, it
tells us wh

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External Forms of Social Control

This page delves into the external forms of social control, which are mechanisms imposed by society to regulate individual behavior. These forms of control are more visible and often involve formal institutions and systems.

Agencies of social control are organisations or institutions that impose rules to shape behavior. These can include family, peer groups, and the education system. These agencies can employ both positive and negative sanctions to encourage desired behavior.

Coercion is a significant external form of social control, involving the use or threat of force (physical or psychological) to compel individuals to act in a certain way. The criminal justice system often utilises coercion through negative sanctions, such as imprisonment.

The Criminal Justice System (CJS) plays a crucial role in external social control. It comprises various agencies with the power to enforce formal legal sanctions. These include the police, Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), judges, magistrates, and the prison service.

Example: The police have powers to stop, search, arrest, detain, and question suspects, demonstrating how the CJS exerts external social control.

Highlight: Fear of punishment is a key aspect of external social control, aiming to deter individuals from committing offenses.

Vocabulary: Formal social control refers to the official mechanisms, such as laws and regulations, used to maintain order in society.

AC 2.1: Explain forms of
social control Superego:
• The superego/moral conscience is
●
developed through early socialisation, it
tells us wh

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Control Theory in Criminology

This page explores control theory in criminology, focusing on Travis Hirschi's concept of bonds of attachment. This theory provides insights into why individuals conform to societal norms and refrain from criminal behavior.

Hirschi argues that crime occurs when an individual's bonds to society are weak. He identifies four key elements of social bonding:

  1. Attachment: The more individuals care about others' opinions, the less likely they are to engage in criminal activity.
  2. Commitment: A strong commitment to conventional lifestyles, such as education and employment, reduces the likelihood of offending.
  3. Involvement: Active participation in positive activities, like community work or studying, leaves less time for criminal behavior.
  4. Beliefs: Socialisation that instills a belief in obeying the law decreases the probability of offending.

The theory emphasizes the importance of parenting in creating strong social bonds. Parents are encouraged to be involved in their children's lives, take an interest in their education and friendships, and express disapproval of criminal behavior.

Definition: Control theory in criminology focuses on the factors that prevent individuals from engaging in criminal behavior, rather than what causes them to commit crimes.

Highlight: Youth clubs and community involvement are justified as crime prevention measures based on control theory principles.

Quote: "Crime only occurs when someone's bonds to society are weak." - This summarizes the core premise of Hirschi's control theory.

The page also briefly mentions feminist perspectives on social control and crime. Heidensohn argues that women's low offending rate is due to their oppression in patriarchal society, while Carlen suggests that women who experienced family abuse or were in care failed to form strong bonds of attachment, leading to criminal behavior.

AC 2.1: Explain forms of
social control Superego:
• The superego/moral conscience is
●
developed through early socialisation, it
tells us wh

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Control Theory and Social Bonds

The final page explores social control theory and its applications, particularly focusing on Hirschi's bonds of attachment theory.

Quote: "Crime only occurs when someone's bonds to society are weak" - Travis Hirschi

Definition: Control theory explains how social bonds and attachments prevent individuals from engaging in criminal behavior.

Example: Youth clubs and community involvement programs demonstrate practical applications of control theory principles.

Highlight: Feminist perspectives, including Heidensohn's and Carlen's work, provide important insights into gender-specific aspects of social control.

AC 2.1: Explain forms of
social control Superego:
• The superego/moral conscience is
●
developed through early socialisation, it
tells us wh

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Internal Forms of Social Control

This page introduces the concept of internal forms of social control, which are mechanisms that individuals internalise to regulate their behavior in society. These forms of control are deeply ingrained and often operate subconsciously.

The superego, developed through early socialisation, acts as a moral conscience that guides individuals in distinguishing right from wrong. It plays a crucial role in exercising self-control and preventing antisocial behavior.

Tradition and culture also serve as powerful internal controls. Through socialisation, individuals adopt cultural values, norms, and traditions as part of their identity. Conforming to these traditions reinforces one's sense of belonging within a community.

The internalisation of social rules and morality is another significant aspect of internal social control. This process occurs through socialisation, where individuals learn and adopt rules from parents, religious institutions, schools, and peer groups.

Definition: Informal social control refers to the ways in which norms, roles, and values shape individual behavior without the need for formal laws or regulations.

Example: A Muslim individual fasting during Ramadan demonstrates how cultural traditions can act as a form of internal social control.

Vocabulary: "Rational ideology" is a term used to describe the process by which individuals internalise social rules and use them to determine right from wrong.

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Paul T

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user