Informal control

Definition

Informal control refers to the social mechanisms and expectations that regulate individual behavior within a community, relying on social norms rather than formal laws or regulations. This type of control is often rooted in cultural practices, values, and interpersonal relationships, influencing how people behave without the need for official enforcement. It encompasses various aspects like gossip, peer pressure, and social approval or disapproval.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Informal control operates primarily through social interactions rather than through legal systems or formal authority figures.
2. It plays a significant role in maintaining social order by encouraging conformity to group norms and discouraging deviance.
3. Gossip and community discussions can serve as tools of informal control, reinforcing acceptable behaviors and ostracizing those who deviate.
4. Informal control can vary greatly across cultures, reflecting different societal values and expectations about behavior.
5. While informal control helps maintain social cohesion, it can also lead to negative consequences like social exclusion or discrimination against those who do not conform.

Review Questions

• How does informal control contribute to social order within communities?
  • Informal control contributes to social order by establishing expectations for behavior that are maintained through social norms rather than formal laws. This form of control encourages individuals to conform to group standards due to the desire for acceptance and fear of social sanctions. By promoting shared values and norms, informal control fosters cohesion within communities, ensuring that most members align their actions with what is considered acceptable.
• In what ways can informal control manifest differently across various cultures?
  • Informal control can manifest differently across cultures due to varying social norms and values that dictate acceptable behavior. For instance, in collectivist cultures, strong emphasis may be placed on group harmony and conformity, leading to more pronounced peer pressure. In contrast, individualistic cultures may allow for more personal freedom, resulting in less direct informal control. These differences highlight how cultural context shapes the mechanisms of informal control and influences individuals' behavior.
• Evaluate the potential positive and negative impacts of informal control on individuals within a society.
  • Informal control has both positive and negative impacts on individuals within a society. On the positive side, it promotes social cohesion and helps individuals navigate complex social environments by providing guidelines for acceptable behavior. However, it can also lead to negative consequences, such as social exclusion or stigmatization for those who deviate from norms. Additionally, when informal control becomes overly rigid, it may stifle individuality and discourage diversity of thought and behavior, creating an environment where conformity is prioritized over personal expression.

Related terms

Social Norms: Unwritten rules and expectations about how members of a society should behave in various situations.

Peer Pressure: The influence exerted by a peer group on its members to behave in a manner similar to them.

Cultural Sanctions: Reactions from members of a society that can either reward or punish behavior based on cultural expectations.