LO: To explain the different forms of social control

Social control

‘mechanisms or processes that exert pressure to make sure you stick to the laws, rules and norms of a society’.

Can you think of any agents of social control?

What is meant by social control?

Two categories of social control- formal and informal social control

Formal social control Informal social control

The main agency of formal social control is the criminal justice system which involves the legislature and judiciary. Formal rules/laws apply.

Examples- Police, Courts, Prisons, Probation officers, Social workers, Teachers...

Unwritten rules apply.

Examples- Teachers, family, peer groups

*Summarise formal and informal social control in your books

Why is it important that people abide by the norms, values, rules and laws of society?

1. Negative sanctions- custody, disapproval, detention

2. Positive sanctions- praise, reward, acceptance

Watch clip of Bruce Forsyth receiving knighthood. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-qVZ6mY6lc

*Write examples of positive and negative sanctions in your books.

Positive sanction Negative sanction

Family

School

Peer group

Work

*Give three examples of both positive and negative sanctions that could be given from the family, school, peer group and workplace.

Check point Discuss in pairs, then write your thoughts in your book.

How can the school exert both informal and formal social control?

Think: What is the link between socialisation and social control?

On page 23, complete question 2 and 3

Three thing you have learnt about socialisation and social control

Two things you would like to know more about.

One thing you have not understood