Questions and Answers
What is informal social control?
The reactions of individuals and groups that bring about conformity to norms and laws.
What are positive and negative sanctions?
Positive sanctions are rewards for conforming to established norms, while negative sanctions are punishments for violating established norms.
How is informal social control enforced?
Through positive and negative sanctions.
How does the family act as an informal agent of social control?
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How do peer groups act as informal agents of social control?
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How does the media act as an informal agent of social control?
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How does religion act as an informal agent of social control?
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How does education act as an informal agent of social control?
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How does the workplace act as an informal agent of social control?
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How does informal social control sometimes clash with formal social control?
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What power can some informal agencies of social control have?
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Study Notes
Informal Social Control
- Informal social control refers to reactions from individuals and groups that ensure conformity to societal norms and laws.
- It serves to regulate individual behavior, promoting alignment with the established norms of society.
Sanctions
- Positive sanctions are rewards for conforming to established norms, encouraging desired behaviors.
- Negative sanctions involve punishments for violating established norms, acting as deterrents against undesirable behaviors.
Enforcement of Informal Social Control
- Informal social control is enforced through both positive and negative sanctions.
- Examples include parental disappointment or being overlooked for promotions at work.
Family as an Informal Agent
- Parents act as informal agents by rewarding children for good behavior and punishing them for bad behavior.
- Actions like taking away electronics for swearing illustrate how parents influence behavior.
Peer Groups as Informal Agents
- Peer groups control behavior by rewarding conforming members with friendship and social acceptance.
- Deviations from group values may result in bullying or exclusion from the group.
Media as an Informal Agent
- The media plays a role in informal social control by praising individuals for positive actions, such as charity work or bravery.
- Conversely, it may criticize public figures, such as celebrities being labeled as "fat."
Religion as an Informal Agent
- Faithful believers are rewarded with promises of an afterlife, which reinforces adherence to religious norms.
- Punishments for sinful behavior include excommunication and threats of eternal damnation.
Education as an Informal Agent
- Schools and teachers reward students through praise, good grades, and awards to promote positive behavior.
- Punishment strategies include detentions, suspensions, and demotions for rule violations.
Workplace as an Informal Agent
- Employers reinforce behavior by promoting 'good' workers who display desirable attitudes and performance.
- Negative consequences may include overlooked promotions, formal warnings, or termination for those lacking the appropriate attitude.
Conflict between Informal and Formal Social Control
- There can be conflicts where informal social control clashes with formal laws; for example, smacking a child is illegal in Scotland but may be viewed as reasonable punishment in England.
Legal Powers of Informal Agencies
- Certain informal agencies, such as workplaces and educational institutions, possess legal authority to enforce formal punishments.
- Workplaces can dismiss employees for misconduct, while schools have the power to exclude students who break rules.
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Description
Explore the concepts of informal social control and the roles of positive and negative sanctions in regulating behavior. This quiz delves into the influence of family and peer groups as informal agents of social control, examining how they promote conformity to societal norms.
