Formal vs Informal Social Control: What is the Difference?
Social control refers to the various methods, both formal and informal, that societies use to maintain order and regulate behavior. There are two primary forms of social control that are widely recognized: formal and informal social control. Understanding the difference between these two forms is crucial to understanding how societies function and how individuals interact with one another. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at both forms of social control and explore the key differences between them.
What is Formal Social Control?
Formal social control refers to the rules, norms, and laws that are enforced by a specific authority and are backed by the use of force or the threat of force. These rules and regulations are often written down and codified, and the enforcement of these regulations is typically carried out by a specialized organization, such as the police, military, or government.
Examples of formal social control include:
- Laws against theft, murder, and other crimes
- Regulations governing education, employment, and other areas of social life
- Rules governing conduct in public spaces
The primary purpose of formal social control is to ensure that individuals follow the established rules and norms of society, and to punish those who do not. When someone violates these rules, they may be subject to penalties, such as fines, imprisonment, or other legal sanctions.
What is Informal Social Control?
Informal social control refers to the rules, norms, and expectations that are enforced by society through social interactions and informal networks. These rules and norms are typically not codified or written down, and the enforcement of these regulations is often carried out by individuals or small groups who are part of a particular community.
Examples of informal social control include:
- Social norms surrounding appropriate behavior in different situations
- Peer pressure and social expectations within a friend group or community
- Informal social sanctions such as gossip, ridicule, or shunning
The primary purpose of informal social control is to maintain order and regulate behavior within a particular community. While informal social control does not involve the use of force or the threat of force, it is often highly effective in shaping behavior by reinforcing social norms and expectations.
Key Differences Between Formal and Informal Social Control
While both formal and informal social control serve the same basic purpose of maintaining order and regulating behavior, there are several key differences between the two forms.
- Enforcement: Formal social control is typically enforced by a specialized authority using force or the threat of force, while informal social control is enforced by society through social interactions and informal networks.
- Codification: Formal social control is typically codified and written down, while informal social control is not.
- Punishment: Violations of formal social control are typically punished through legal sanctions such as fines, imprisonment, or other penalties, while violations of informal social control may be punished through gossip, ridicule, or social exclusion.
- Flexibility: Informal social control is often more flexible and adaptable than formal social control, as it is shaped by society’s changing norms and expectations.
Conclusion
Formal and informal social control are two distinct but interrelated forms of social regulation. Formal social control is typically enforced by a specific authority and is backed by force or the threat of force, while informal social control is enforced by society through social interactions and informal networks. Understanding the differences between these two forms of social control is crucial to understanding how societies function and how individuals interact with one another.
