Home / Summaries / (3.2): Mechanisms of Social Control, Social Order and Conformity / social-control-agencies

Mechanisms of Social Control, Social Order and Conformity

13 important questions on Mechanisms of Social Control, Social Order and Conformity

What features of a subculture might create anxiety among older conventional members of society?

Subcultures stand out as 'different' and deviant, often coming into contact with spectacular youth subcultures. Their distinct dress and behavior, seen as 'shocking,' challenge societal norms. Peer groups may use positive sanctions like respect or status, but also negative ones like bullying. This creates anxiety as they influence adolescents to conform to subcultural values over parental ones.

What is consensus theory and how is society characterized according to it?

Consensus theory is a type of structuralist approach where society is characterized by agreement and order. It includes theories such as functionalism. Conflict theories, like Marxism and feminism, see societies as characterized by conflict between social classes or between men and women. Humanist approach focuses on how social reality is interpreted by individuals through everyday interaction.

How does education function as both formal and informal social control?

Education acts as an agency of social control. Formally, it uses rules, detentions, and suspensions. Informally, teachers manage classrooms with praise and reward. Countries like China and Japan use corporal punishment. Education influences behavior through academic work and social norms, shaping students' conduct and attitudes.
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How do researchers define 'smacking' and what are the potential negative outcomes?

Researchers define 'smacking' as hitting a child on their buttocks or extremities using an open hand. Smacking can lead to negative outcomes like increased aggression, anxiety, depression, and difficulties in forming trustful relationships. Evidence suggests that adults who were smacked as children have lower self-esteem compared to peers who were not smacked.

How is voluntarism defined in the context of social behavior?

Voluntarism suggests that human action is voluntary rather than imposed externally by social forces. Voluntarists argue that social behavior is the result of people’s free will and their ability to choose. Free will refers to the power to make decisions or choices that are not shaped by social forces beyond the individual’s control.

Describe the role of the workplace in social control.

The workplace is crucial for social control, teaching skills essential for the economy. Employers use positive sanctions to reward skill and dedication, promoting to supervisory roles. They may also use threats of redundancy or moving production to control workers. This maintains economic stability and worker compliance.

What does research by UNICEF indicate about the prevalence and effects of physical punishment on children?

Research by UNICEF shows that around the world, 80% of children are subjected to routine smacking or beating by parents as discipline. Although not illegal in many places, longitudinal research suggests smacked children are more likely to have mental health issues and anti-social behavior as adults. Smacking is a widespread practice with more harm than good.

What are the two broad agencies of social control identified by sociologists?

Sociologists identify two broad agencies of social control: formal and informal. Formal agencies deal with repressive or coercive types of control expressed in formal written laws. Informal agencies involve socialization and cultural norms. Formal agencies include institutions like the military, police, and judiciary, which enforce laws and maintain order.

What are informal agencies of social control and their mechanisms?

Informal agencies include families, communities, and tribes, maintaining control through customs, traditions, mores, and religion. These agencies rely on close, direct relationships to enforce social norms and expectations, influencing behavior without formal rules or regulations.

What conclusions did researchers Durrant and Emson reach regarding smacking or spanking?

Researchers Durrant and Emson concluded that smacking or spanking is widespread, but there is no evidence it effectively corrects children's behavior. Instead, it causes more harm than good, leading to negative outcomes such as cognitive difficulties, increased aggression, and mental health issues. Their research emphasizes the need for alternative disciplinary methods.

Describe the role of formal agencies of social control and provide examples.

Formal agencies of social control deal with repressive or coercive types of control expressed in formal written laws. Negative or 'hard' sanctions may result in physical punishment or removal from society. Examples include the military, police, and judiciary. If a person is found guilty of breaking the law, a range of negative sanctions is available.

How does the family act as an agency of informal social control according to David Morgan?

David Morgan suggests family interaction fosters social control and conformity. Parents use positive sanctions for approved behavior and negative sanctions for deviance. Sanctions might involve restricting TV or toys, or withdrawing privileges. This control shapes children's behavior and adherence to family norms.

What are some potential problems with formal social controls and how can they be addressed?

Potential problems with formal social controls include hostility, dissent, defiance, and social instability. Regular use of negative sanctions like violence may lead to these issues. Control by consent involves persuading society that the law is 'blind' and seeks to protect all social groups equally, addressing these problems.

The question on the page originate from the summary of the following study material:

(3.2): Mechanisms of Social Control, Social Order and Conformity

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