1. Social Control: Regulation of Individual Behaviour
Maintaining Order and Continuity in Society
DefinitionSocial Control: The system of devices whereby society brings its members into conformity with the accepted standards of behaviour
Background:
- Ancient humans lived solitary nomadic lives
- Neolithic Revolution - agriculture and domestication of animals
- Larger settlements brought new problems - disputes over land, resources, power
- Human nature described as self-centered, power-seeking, aggressive
- Society evolved rules, customs, laws to regulate behaviour
Meaning of Social Control:
- Control exercised by society over individuals
- Regulation ensures desirable conduct
- Enables development of social qualities
- Enforces conformity to norms
Key Insight:
Social control acts as a corrective mechanism for inadequate socialisation.
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In these notes
- Social Control: Regulation of Individual Behaviour
- Definitions by Key Thinkers
- Nature of Social Control
- Why Social Control is Necessary
- Classification of Social Control
- Two Major Forms of Social Control
- Informal Means of Social Control
- Formal Means of Social Control
- Institutions Enforcing Social Control
- Positive and Negative Sanctions
- Family as Instrument of Social Control
- Lineage as Social Control
- Descent as Social Control
- Property as Instrument of Social Control
- Kinship-Based System of Social Control
- Social Control in the Digital Age
- Sociological Theories of Social Control
- Q: Discuss the Role of Family as an Agency of Social Control
- Quick Revision Summary
- How to Write Answers on Social Control
- Expected Questions for OPSC/UPSC
- Complete Summary