← Unit 5: Agrarian Social Structure
1. Social Control — Background and Meaning
Background
In the ancient era, human beings led solitary nomadic lives, dwelling in caves, rock-shelters, forests and along riverbanks. They lived in small groups in an inhospitable environment and were constantly engaged in struggles against harsh forces of nature. Early humans perceived large and ferocious animals as their primary enemies and threats to survival.
With the advent of the Neolithic Revolution, human groups expanded in size. The discovery of agriculture and the domestication of animals introduced a degree of stability in socio-economic life. Larger settlements provided security, yet new problems such as disputes over land, resources and power emerged. Conflicts became frequent within and between groups.
Human nature is often described as self-centred, power-seeking, aggressive and prone to conflict. If individuals were allowed unrestricted freedom, social life would become chaotic and unmanageable. Hence, society evolved rules, regulations, customs and laws to regulate individual behaviour and ensure collective welfare. These methods of regulation and discipline together constitute social control.
Meaning of Social Control
Free. All OPSC Sociology Paper I and Paper II notes, with mains PYQs.
Get the app on Google Play
- Social Control — Background and Meaning
- Definitions of Social Control — Thinkers
- Nature and Characteristics of Social Control
- Forms of Social Control — Informal and Formal
- Types of Sanctions — Positive and Negative
- Theoretical Perspectives on Social Control
- Need and Importance of Social Control
- Classifications of Social Control — Part 1
- Classifications of Social Control — Part 2
- Means of Social Control — Informal Means
- Means of Social Control — Formal Means
- Agencies of Social Control
- Digital Surveillance and Social Control — Contemporary Dimension
- Goals of Social Control
- Family as an Instrument of Social Control
- Lineage as a Mechanism of Social Control
- Descent as Social Control
- Property as an Instrument of Social Control
- Interrelationship of Family, Lineage, Descent and Property