Overview
Formal social control is a vital aspect of society that helps maintain order and regulate behavior through established laws and institutions. It encompasses various mechanisms, including law enforcement, the judicial system, and government regulations, all working together to ensure compliance and p...
Key Terms
Example: Social control can be seen in laws that prohibit theft.
Example: The police department is a key law enforcement agency.
Example: The judicial system includes trial courts and appellate courts.
Example: The Environmental Protection Agency regulates pollution.
Example: Murder is classified under criminal law.
Example: Civil law cases can involve contracts and property disputes.
Related Topics
Informal Social Control
Mechanisms of social control that are not officially sanctioned, such as peer pressure.
beginnerCriminal Justice System
The system of practices and institutions for upholding social control through criminal law.
intermediateSocial Norms
Unwritten rules about how to behave in society.
beginnerDeviance
Behavior that violates social norms or expectations.
intermediateKey Concepts
lawspolicejudicial systemgovernment regulations