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Social Control Mechanisms

Social control refers to the mechanisms, strategies, and institutions that societies use to regulate individual behavior in line with established norms. This includes both informal norms, such as folkways that may result in social ridicule or praise, and formal norms codified into laws that can lead to legal penalties. Understanding social control is crucial in sociology as it highlights how societies maintain order and conformity, and provides insight into the complex relationship between individual behavior and societal expectations.

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1

Which of the following best describes the role of collective conscience in social control mechanisms?

Collective conscience helps everyone in a society agree on what is right and wrong. Other options are incorrect because Some might think that collecti...

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2

How does the family function as a mechanism of social control in maintaining social order?

Families teach children what is right and wrong. Other options are incorrect because Some might think families enforce laws like the police do; People...

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3

Which of the following best illustrates the role of agents of social control in enforcing societal norms through sanctions?

A police officer giving a warning shows how rules are enforced. Other options are incorrect because Some might think extra homework is a punishment fo...

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4

How do media representations shape social norms and influence the types of sanctions applied to deviant behavior in society?

Media can introduce new ideas and behaviors that people accept as normal. Other options are incorrect because Some might think media has no effect at ...

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5

How do cultural variations influence formal social control mechanisms and the types of sanctions imposed within a society?

Different cultures have unique beliefs and values. Other options are incorrect because This idea suggests culture doesn't matter at all; This option a...

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6

What is an example of formal social control in society?

Laws are rules made by the government. Other options are incorrect because Peer pressure is when friends influence each other; Family traditions are c...

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7

Which of the following is an example of informal social control?

A community group organizing a neighborhood watch helps keep people safe. Other options are incorrect because Some might think a police officer giving...

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8

Which of the following is an example of an agent of social control that enforces norms and regulations within a society?

The family teaches us what is right and wrong. Other options are incorrect because Some might think weather affects how we behave; People may believe ...

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9

A student wears a t-shirt with a controversial political statement on campus and receives both praise and criticism from peers. How would you classify this example of social control?

This situation shows informal social control. Other options are incorrect because Some might think praise is a positive sanction, which is a reward fo...

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10

Which of the following best illustrates a negative form of social control?

Teasing someone for their hairstyle is a way people try to control others negatively. Other options are incorrect because Rewarding a student for good...

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11

Arrange the following steps in the process of social control from the establishment of norms to the enforcement actions taken: A) Establishment of societal norms B) Socialization of individuals to internalize norms C) Application of sanctions (positive or negative) D) Monitoring of behavior to ensure adherence

First, society sets norms, which are rules for behavior. Other options are incorrect because This suggests we socialize before establishing norms; Thi...

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12

Which of the following examples illustrate social control mechanisms? Select all that apply.

Other options are incorrect because Positive feedback feels good, but it doesn't control behavior; Laws are meant to control actions, but this example...

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13

Maria has recently started wearing bright, unconventional clothing that her friends do not typically wear. Some friends praise her for her unique style, while others tease her. How can we categorize these reactions in terms of social control mechanisms?

The praise Maria receives is a form of positive social control. Other options are incorrect because This answer suggests that both reactions don't aff...

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14

A group of friends begins to ridicule a member for wearing an outfit that is considered unusual within their social circle. What underlying mechanism of social control is primarily at play in this scenario?

When friends make fun of someone for their outfit, they are using informal ways to push everyone to dress similarly. Other options are incorrect becau...

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15

Social control mechanisms are to societal regulation as sanctions are to ?

Sanctions are actions taken to encourage or discourage behavior. Other options are incorrect because Some might think sanctions change what people bel...

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16

How do informal social controls, like ridicule or praise, influence individual behavior compared to formal laws?

Informal controls, like praise or ridicule, help people understand what is accepted in society. Other options are incorrect because Some might think l...

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17

Social control mechanisms can be both positive and negative, with positive sanctions promoting conformity and negative sanctions discouraging deviance. An example of a positive form of social control is when a teacher _____ a student for a well-written paper.

When a teacher congratulates a student, it encourages them to keep doing good work. Other options are incorrect because Criticism can make students fe...

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