Formal sanctions

Definition

Formal sanctions are official actions taken by authorized bodies like governments or institutions to reward or punish behavior that complies with or violates established norms and laws. These actions can range from fines and imprisonment for violations to awards and recognition for compliance.

Related terms

Social Norms:

The unwritten rules that govern behavior in society, indicating what is considered acceptable or unacceptable.

Informal Sanctions: Unofficial rewards or punishments from individuals or groups, like social ostracism or approval, not enforced by an authorized body.

Deviance:

Behavior that violates social norms, which can be subject to both formal and informal sanctions depending on the severity and context