The Social Controls Or Sanctions On Our Behavior In Society Can Be All Of The Following:A. Negative B. Positive C. Formal D. Informal

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The Social Controls or Sanctions on Our Behavior in Society: Understanding the Different Types

In any society, there are certain norms and expectations that govern the behavior of its members. These norms are enforced through various mechanisms, which can be broadly categorized into social controls or sanctions. Social controls refer to the ways in which individuals are influenced to conform to societal norms, while sanctions refer to the consequences of non-conformity. In this article, we will explore the different types of social controls or sanctions that exist in society, including negative, positive, formal, and informal sanctions.

Negative sanctions are the consequences of non-conformity to societal norms. They are designed to discourage individuals from engaging in behavior that is deemed unacceptable. Negative sanctions can take many forms, including:

  • Punishment: This is the most obvious form of negative sanction. Punishment can range from a verbal warning to imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense.
  • Exclusion: This involves excluding individuals from social interactions or groups. For example, a person who is caught cheating in school may be excluded from social events or extracurricular activities.
  • Loss of status: This involves a loss of status or reputation within the community. For example, a person who is caught engaging in dishonest behavior may lose the respect of their peers.
  • Economic penalties: This involves financial penalties, such as fines or loss of income.

Negative sanctions are an important mechanism for maintaining social order. They provide a clear incentive for individuals to conform to societal norms, and they help to maintain the social contract.

Positive sanctions, on the other hand, are the rewards for conforming to societal norms. They are designed to encourage individuals to engage in behavior that is deemed desirable. Positive sanctions can take many forms, including:

  • Praise: This involves verbal or written praise for good behavior. For example, a student who receives good grades may be praised by their teacher or parents.
  • Rewards: This involves tangible rewards for good behavior, such as money or gifts. For example, a child who behaves well may receive a reward, such as a sticker or a small toy.
  • Social recognition: This involves recognition within the community for good behavior. For example, a person who volunteers their time may be recognized by their community for their efforts.
  • Economic benefits: This involves financial benefits, such as increased income or job opportunities.

Positive sanctions are an important mechanism for promoting social cohesion. They provide a clear incentive for individuals to engage in behavior that is deemed desirable, and they help to maintain the social contract.

Formal sanctions are the official mechanisms for enforcing social norms. They are typically established by the government or other institutions, and they are designed to maintain social order. Formal sanctions can take many forms, including:

  • Laws: This involves laws that are designed to regulate behavior. For example, laws against theft or assault.
  • Regulations: This involves regulations that are designed to regulate behavior. For example, regulations against pollution or noise.
  • Penalties: This involves penalties for non-conformity, such as fines or imprisonment.
  • Enforcement agencies: This involves agencies that are responsible for enforcing laws and regulations, such as police or regulatory agencies.

Formal sanctions are an important mechanism for maintaining social order. They provide a clear framework for regulating behavior, and they help to maintain the social contract.

Informal sanctions, on the other hand, are the unofficial mechanisms for enforcing social norms. They are typically established by social groups or communities, and they are designed to maintain social order. Informal sanctions can take many forms, including:

  • Social norms: This involves social norms that are established by social groups or communities. For example, norms against gossiping or bullying.
  • Peer pressure: This involves pressure from peers to conform to social norms. For example, pressure to wear certain clothing or engage in certain activities.
  • Social exclusion: This involves exclusion from social interactions or groups. For example, exclusion from a social event or group.
  • Reputation: This involves a person's reputation within the community. For example, a person who is known for being dishonest may have a bad reputation.

Informal sanctions are an important mechanism for maintaining social order. They provide a clear incentive for individuals to conform to social norms, and they help to maintain the social contract.

In conclusion, social controls or sanctions are an important mechanism for maintaining social order. They provide a clear incentive for individuals to conform to societal norms, and they help to maintain the social contract. Negative sanctions, positive sanctions, formal sanctions, and informal sanctions are all important mechanisms for enforcing social norms. Understanding these different types of sanctions can help individuals to navigate complex social situations and to make informed decisions about their behavior.

  • Durkheim, E. (1893). The Division of Labor in Society. New York: Free Press.
  • Garfinkel, H. (1956). Conditions of Successful Degradation Ceremonies. American Journal of Sociology, 61(5), 420-424.
  • Goffman, E. (1959). The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life. New York: Doubleday.
  • Merton, R. K. (1938). Social Structure and Anomie. American Sociological Review, 3(5), 672-682.

Note: The references provided are a selection of classic works in the field of sociology that relate to the topic of social controls or sanctions. They are not an exhaustive list, and readers are encouraged to explore further.
Frequently Asked Questions: Social Controls or Sanctions

A: The main difference between negative and positive sanctions is that negative sanctions are consequences for non-conformity, while positive sanctions are rewards for conforming to societal norms.

A: Some examples of negative sanctions include punishment, exclusion, loss of status, and economic penalties. For example, a person who is caught cheating in school may be given a failing grade, excluded from social events, or lose the respect of their peers.

A: Some examples of positive sanctions include praise, rewards, social recognition, and economic benefits. For example, a student who receives good grades may be praised by their teacher or parents, receive a reward such as a sticker or a small toy, or be recognized by their community for their efforts.

A: Formal sanctions are the official mechanisms for enforcing social norms. They are typically established by the government or other institutions, and they are designed to maintain social order. Formal sanctions can take many forms, including laws, regulations, penalties, and enforcement agencies.

A: Informal sanctions are the unofficial mechanisms for enforcing social norms. They are typically established by social groups or communities, and they are designed to maintain social order. Informal sanctions can take many forms, including social norms, peer pressure, social exclusion, and reputation.

A: Social controls or sanctions can have a significant impact on behavior. They can influence individuals to conform to societal norms by providing a clear incentive for good behavior and a clear consequence for bad behavior.

A: Some examples of social norms that are enforced through informal sanctions include norms against gossiping, bullying, or cheating. For example, a person who is caught gossiping may be excluded from social interactions or lose the respect of their peers.

A: Social controls or sanctions are an important mechanism for promoting social cohesion. They provide a clear incentive for individuals to engage in behavior that is deemed desirable, and they help to maintain the social contract.

A: Some potential drawbacks of social controls or sanctions include the potential for abuse of power, the potential for unequal treatment, and the potential for negative consequences for individuals who are not able to conform to societal norms.

A: Individuals can navigate complex social situations and make informed decisions about their behavior by understanding the social norms and expectations that govern their behavior, and by being aware of the potential consequences of their actions.

A: Some strategies for promoting positive social controls or sanctions include promoting positive reinforcement, encouraging social recognition, and providing economic benefits for good behavior.

A: Some strategies for reducing negative social controls or sanctions include promoting empathy and understanding, reducing stigma and shame, and providing support and resources for individuals who are struggling to conform to societal norms.

Note: The questions and answers provided are a selection of common questions and answers related to the topic of social controls or sanctions. They are not an exhaustive list, and readers are encouraged to explore further.