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?

Maria's situation can be understood through social control mechanisms, which are ways that society encourages people to behave in certain ways. The praise from some friends can be seen as positive reinforcement, encouraging her to express her individuality and creativity. On the other hand, the teasing from others represents negative reinforcement, where they are trying to pressure her to conform to the more traditional clothing styles that are accepted by the group. This shows how social norms can influence behavior, as some people may feel uncomfortable with differences and try to push others back into the norm. For example, if Maria continues to wear her bright clothing despite the teasing, she is asserting her personal choice and challenging the social control exerted by her peers.