Department of Law

Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh

SESSSION:2024-25

ASSIGNMENT ON:

SOCIAL CONTROL
SUBJECT OF:

SOCIOLOGY
SUBMITTED BY:

SAMIA SIDDIQUI
BALLB 1st SEMESTER

FACULTY NO:24LLBWA259

ENROLLMENT NO. GM1232

SUBMITTED TO:

KALIM WARSI SIR

Professor, Department of Law, Aligarh Muslim University

Synopsis
➢ INTRODUCTION
➢ DEFINITION
➢ NEED OF SOCIAL CONTROL
➢ AGENCIES OF SOCIAL CONTROL
➢ FORM OF SOCIAL CONTROL
➢ MEANS OF SOCIAL CONTROL
➢ CONCLUSION
IntroDUCtIon
Society is a collectively of groups and individuals. It exists for the welfare
and advancement of the whole. The mutuality, on which it depends, is
possible to sustain by adjustment of varied and contradictory interests.
The structure pattern continues to exist because of its inbuilt mechanism
and sanction system.
Social control which implies the social intercourse is regulated in
accordance with established and recognised standards, is
comprehensive, omnipotent and effective to stimulate order, discipline
and mutuality; and to discourage, and if need be, to punish the deviance.
The aim of social order, Parsons has well said, is “nipping deviant
tendencies in the bud”. If that be not done, social order would cease to
exist; the law of the brute would prevail. The world would be that ‘brutish’
and ‘nasty’ state will prevail in society.
The term, ‘social control’, is widely used in sociology to refer to the social
processes by which the behaviour of individuals or groups is regulated.
Since all societies have norms and values governing conduct (a society
without some such norms and values is inconceivable), all equally have
some mechanisms for ensuring conformity to those norms and for dealing
with deviance. Social control is consequently a pervasive feature of
society, of interest to a broad range of sociologists having differing
theoretical persuasions and substantive interests, and not just to
sociologists of deviance.
DEFINITION
Social control focuses on the capacity of a social Organisation to regulate itself.” Morirs
Janowitz According to him , this concept of self – regulation can be Applied to the actions
of individuals and organizational Units. Without social control even the best intentioned
Efforts at cooperative endeavour endeavour would quickly dissolve dissolve into would
quickly Dissolve dissolve into uncoordinated separate actions by Various participants.
“Social control refers to the techniques and the strategies for regulating human behaviour
in any society. “Roberts According to him social control works at all levels of society. For
instance, in our family we all obey our Parents, at office we abide by formal norms etc.
NEED OD SOCIAL CONTROL
Social control is an essential mechanism that ensures an orderly and structured society. It
regulates and patterns individual behavior to maintain a normative social order. Without
effective social control, societal organization would face disruption and chaos. Through
effective socialization, individuals conform to societal norms, driven by habit and the
desire for acceptance and approval. This conformation plays a critical role in preserving
harmony and functionality within a society.

➢ Reestablishing the Old Social System:

One of the primary purposes of social control is to maintain the existing social order.
Societies strive to preserve their cultural heritage by encouraging individuals to follow
traditions and live in ways similar to their forebears. While this adherence to old norms may
sometimes hinder progress, it ensures continuity and uniformity. This aspect of social
control acts as a stabilizing force, providing societies with a sense of identity and
rootedness. However, as societies evolve, a balance must be struck between preserving
traditional values and embracing necessary changes to facilitate progress.

➢ Regulation of Individual Social Behavior:

Social control is critical in regulating individual behavior in line with societal goals and
values. By doing so, it helps maintain social order and harmony. Individual behavior, if left
unchecked, can be driven by self-interest, leading to disruptions in the collective welfare.
Social control ensures that individuals abide by prescribed norms and subjugate their
impulses for the greater good of society. This regulation is indispensable for maintaining
societal cohesion and fostering an environment where individuals can coexist peacefully.

➢ Ensuring Obedience to Social Decisions:

Every society takes decisions to uphold its values and objectives. These decisions, often
reflective of collective needs and aspirations, require compliance from all members. Social
control ensures that these societal decisions are adhered to, thereby maintaining order
and stability. Compliance with social decisions fosters mutual respect among members,
reinforcing a collective commitment to shared goals and values.

➢ Establishing Social Unity:

Unity within a society is impossible without effective social control. By regulating individual
behavior according to established norms, social control fosters uniformity in actions and
attitudes, contributing to societal cohesion. This uniformity bridges differences among
individuals and groups, promoting a sense of belonging and shared purpose. Social control
thus acts as the glue that binds diverse elements of society together, ensuring its stability
and integrity.

➢ Promoting Solidarity:

Social control cultivates a sense of solidarity among individuals and groups. In a

competitive world, weaker groups often face exploitation by stronger ones, and conflicts
among equally powerful groups can threaten societal harmony. Social control mitigates
these risks by establishing norms and expectations that prioritize collective welfare over
individual or group interests. By doing so, it fosters mutual understanding and cooperation,
essential for maintaining societal order.

➢ Encouraging Conformity

One of the fundamental objectives of social control is to ensure conformity among

individuals. Conformity to societal norms promotes predictability and reduces the
potential for conflict. It creates an environment where individuals align their behaviors with
societal expectations, contributing to collective stability and progress. This conformity,
achieved through socialization and reinforcement, ensures that societal norms remain
relevant and effective.

➢ Providing Social Sanctions:

Deviations from accepted norms pose a threat to the welfare of the group. To address such
deviations, societies employ social sanctions, which serve as corrective measures to
reinforce adherence to norms. These sanctions, ranging from mild disapproval to severe
penalties, play a crucial role in maintaining order and deterring undesirable behavior. By
imposing consequences for non-conformity, social sanctions uphold the integrity of
societal values and standards.

➢ Addressing Cultural Maladjustment:

Society is in a constant state of change, and individuals must adapt their behaviors to
these evolving circumstances. However, not all individuals can adjust seamlessly, leading
to instances of deviance or maladjustment. Social control plays a pivotal role in addressing
these challenges by guiding individuals toward acceptable behaviors and providing support
during transitions. By mitigating cultural maladjustments, social control helps maintain
societal harmony and prevents the alienation of individuals.

➢ The Role of Social Control in Modern Society:

The need for social control is particularly pronounced in modern society, characterized by
its complexity and the presence of disintegrating forces. As noted by sociologist Kimball
Young, modern societies face numerous challenges, including the erosion of traditional
values and the tendency of individuals to violate rules and norms. If the agencies
responsible for social control fail to act effectively, societies may descend into chaos and
disintegration.

Agencies of social Control:-

There are three agencies of social Control.

1.Family

2.Neighbourhood

3.Public opinion

Family: Family is one of the most important Agencies of social control. Every child Learns
from her / his immediate environment Which is first provided by the family Etiquettes,
habits and attitudes are first learnt From the immediate role models (e.g.Parents, siblings,
kin groups, etc.). The family Socializes the child into the norms, values, traditions and
customs of the group.Thus, family has predominant role in the role in the Shaping of the
personality of the child. In villages, an individual gets her / his status From her / his family.
The elders have a Dominant role in the shaping of the Personality of the child. This is
manifested in The Individual‟ S attitudes, interests, lifestyles, etc. Marriages are mostly
arranged by the Elders and seen as an alliance betweenFamilies rather than two
individuals.In cities, the family continues to play a Predominant role in the shaping of an
Individual personality. However,Industrialization, paucity of income and space Have
contributed to the prevalence of nuclear Family. This is very different from what Is
encountered in villages. Hence, families Tend to focus upon themselves. This results in an
increased accent on individualism as Opposed to collectivism common in Villages. The
function of socialization that a Family carries out is complemented by

Other secondary institutions such as the Classroom, playground, peer group and the
Media. Unlike in rural surrounding, the Individual derives her / his social status partly From
her / his family but more importantly From her / his personal achievements. Parents and
elders still largely arrange Marriages in cities. However, the consent of The girl and the boy
is sought. Marriages Outside caste and religion are also on rise.Thus, we see that individual
choice is Becoming increasingly important. However, Owing to the absence of the strong
family Support on both sides, individual Disagreements are more likely to lead to