How Do You Spell SOCIAL CONTROL?
Pronunciation: [sˈə͡ʊʃə͡l kəntɹˈə͡ʊl] (IPA) 
Pronunciation: [sˈə͡ʊʃə͡l kəntɹˈə͡ʊl] (IPA)
Social control refers to the various mechanisms and strategies employed by societies to regulate and manage the behavior and actions of individuals within a community. It is a concept that delves into the ways in which societies maintain order, enforce norms, and ensure compliance with established rules and values. Its primary goal is to prevent deviant behavior, maintain social stability, and promote the smooth functioning of a society.
Social control can take various forms, both informal and formal. Informal social control mainly relies on social norms, values, and expectations that individuals internalize through socialization processes. This includes the influence of family, peer groups, and other informal social institutions that shape the behavior of individuals by setting expectations and reinforcing socially acceptable conduct.
Formal social control, on the other hand, involves the use of institutions and systems created by society, such as laws, regulations, police forces, and judicial systems. These formal mechanisms are implemented by the state or other governing bodies to ensure compliance and punish deviations from accepted behavior.
Social control is not only concerned with punishment and restriction but also with positive reinforcement and incentives for conformity. It allows societies to establish order, mitigate conflicts, and protect the collective well-being. Moreover, it plays a crucial role in the socialization process, helping individuals internalize societal norms and values, and shaping their behavior in accordance with social expectations.
In summary, social control encompasses the various means and strategies employed by societies to regulate and manage individual behavior. It is a fundamental aspect of maintaining social order, stability, and cohesion within a community.
The term "social control" is a combination of the words "social" and "control", each with their respective etymologies.
1. Social: The word "social" originates from the Latin word "socius", which means "companion" or "ally". In Late Latin, "socialis" emerged, referring to anything related to companionship or alliance. It further evolved in Old French as "social", and eventually entered Middle English as "sociel" before becoming "social" with its contemporary spelling.
2. Control: "Control" has its roots in the Middle English word "controllen", derived from the Old French word "contreroller". This Old French term can be broken down into "contre-", meaning "against", and "roller", meaning "roll" or "scroll". Originally, "controller" referred to a person who kept an account or roll of records against a duplicate.
