Deviance must be tightened, particularly serious crimes like murder, abduction, dacoit, robbery, terrorism, theft, and women's dishonor. Control is also needed for minor offenses. When social norms, rituals, ceremonies, and good manners are violated, social order is disturbed. The goal of society is also to control this breach.
Definitions
"All techniques and tactics used to compel a person to conform to expectations of a group or society is called social control," says Bruce J. Cohen andTerri L. Orbuch.
Social control "refers to numerous techniques by which a group or society seeks to achieve social order," according to C.N. Shankar Rao.
Types of social control: Based on the methods used for social control, social control can be divided into two main categories.
Formal Control: For the objective of social control, the state employs law, legislation, military power, police force, administrative tools, etc. In a similar vein, various political, religious, economic, cultural, and other associations and institutions formally regulate member behavior. On purpose, formal control is established. There are several rules established to make it specific. Associations and institutions make it very obvious that adhering to formal control or regulations is necessary. Depending on the type and extent of the breach, those who violate formal control face different penalties. In short, an association, whether it is a state or a bank or an army or a factory or anything, has its own norms through which it controls the behavior of members. An organization that uses formal control may even create a body of officials with vested power to enforce control, as we find it in the case of the state which has established the police, military force, etc. All of these are formally in charge. In today's complex societies, where interaction is typically impersonal, formal control has become necessary.
Informal control: Informal control comprises rumors, slander, anger, sympathy, sense of justice, public opinion, folkways, mores, customs, religion, morals, and other such forces. These were not intentionally made. Regarding their ancestry, nothing could be determined with absolute assurance. They emerge on their own terms and over time achieve acceptance and notoriety. They establish strong roots with people through their methods. The offenders of informal control would not get any particular punishment. Nevertheless, they are more efficient than official control. As with formal control, they do not need any more staff to enforce them. They lack the physical power to compel compliance with them. Therefore, they cannot be observed or violated without resulting in physical harm. It is discovered that informal control is more influenced by moral convictions, public opinion, artistic standards, and a general level of enlightenment.
In core social groups like the family, neighborhood, tribe, and rural community, where interaction occurs on a personal level, informal control is more effective. The informal means of control deteriorate when a group or civilization grows larger (in terms of population) and more complex. An urban citizen cannot be corrected by simple slander, gossip, and criticism, but a country resident may. Although less effective, informal control also works in tandem with formal control in urban areas to control people's behavior. This is because of the anonymity of city life, which has given people more confidence that they can commit crimes without being seen or caught by others who are mostly minding their own business.
What is social control | Definition and types
How to achieve social control
Below are a few crucial actions that can be taken to exert more social influence on people.
1. Parental socialization: Parents need to receive training to better uphold societal norms. Parents should be made aware of the significance of social standards so that they can firmly and successfully enforce them on their children.
2. Model orphanage homes:Children without parents are the most vulnerable category and are at risk. To board and house the children, a model orphanage must be created. They should receive both religious and technical instruction under one roof. With this aim, the government of Punjab has established a "child protection and welfare agency." This bureau's primary goal is to prevent professional child beggars and to socially and economically rehabilitate them. More effective action should be done in this regard.
3. Beggars and the unemployed should be socialized: they should also receive technical education and training for starting small businesses. They should be provided a short-term, soft loan for this purpose. Because research has shown that poverty and unemployment are the main drivers of crime and deviance, it is crucial.
4. Recreational activities: People should have access to recreational activities. It is important to build parks, commercial areas, and family play areas so that people may spend their leisure time and socialize with their children appropriately.
5. Education: People need to understand the value of norms. A successful media campaign should be launched for this. Both formal education and technical education should be provided to the illiterate.
6. Correction of offenders: Correctional and rehabilitative programs should be started for criminals who are on trial and incarcerated after being found guilty. They should get religious, technical, and character-building education.
7. Religious education: Everyone should get religious education. Government should promote the value of religious standards, tolerance, and patience.
8. Media's function:The media is the sole outlet that has the power to alter people's ways of thinking. This should be put to use by launching a successful campaign connected to the goal in order to decrease social deviance and strengthen social control.
What is social control | Definition and typesWhat is social control | Definition and types
