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Unlock This CourseSocial control refers to the ways society encourages people to follow norms and rules. These methods can be formal (like laws and police) or informal (like family disapproval or peer pressure). But how effective are these different approaches? In this session, we'll learn how to evaluate social control methods using sociological evidence and perspectives.
Key Definitions:
Strengths:
Limitations:
Strengths:
Limitations:
The UK has one of the highest numbers of CCTV cameras per person in the world, with an estimated 5.2 million cameras nationwide. This formal control method aims to deter crime and help catch offenders.
Evidence of effectiveness:
Criticisms:
Strengths:
Limitations:
Strengths:
Limitations:
Communities often develop their own methods of maintaining order, from neighbourhood watch schemes to community centres. These methods blend formal and informal approaches.
Gossip, disapproval and reputation concerns keep people following community norms. Effective in close-knit communities but can lead to exclusion of those seen as different.
Community members work together to monitor suspicious activity. Creates shared responsibility but can lead to over-surveillance and mistrust of outsiders.
Strong community bonds create natural social control. Effective when diverse groups feel included but can break down in rapidly changing areas.
Different sociological perspectives offer contrasting views on how we should evaluate social control methods:
Functionalists see social control as necessary for society to function smoothly. They evaluate methods based on how well they maintain social order and shared values.
Key points:
Example evaluation: A functionalist would view police as essential for maintaining the social order that benefits everyone, even if some groups experience more policing than others.
Marxists see social control as a tool used by the powerful to maintain their position. They evaluate methods based on who benefits and who is controlled.
Key points:
Example evaluation: A Marxist would criticise anti-loitering laws as targeting the poor while white-collar crime receives less attention despite causing more harm.
Social media platforms use various forms of social control to manage user behaviour, from automated content filters to community reporting systems.
Effectiveness:
Limitations:
This example shows how new social spaces require new forms of social control that combine formal rules (platform policies) with informal norms (community standards).
When evaluating social control methods, sociologists consider several key factors:
Does the method actually reduce deviance and encourage conformity? Evidence suggests combined approaches work best, with informal methods preventing deviance and formal methods dealing with serious cases.
Is the method applied equally to all groups? Research shows formal control often targets marginalised groups more heavily, while informal control can reinforce existing power structures.
What resources are required compared to the results? Informal methods are generally less expensive but may not address serious deviance. Prevention through informal methods is usually more cost-effective than formal punishment.
The most effective societies use a balanced approach to social control, combining:
When evaluating social control methods, remember that no single approach works for all situations. Different contexts require different combinations of formal and informal methods. The most successful approaches address the causes of deviance while respecting individual rights and treating all social groups fairly.
When evaluating social control methods in your exam: