35

MEANINGAND NATURE OF SoCIAL CONTROL

CHAPTER OUTLINE
OF SOCIAL CONTROL PROPAGANDA -CoNTROL BY COERCION CONTROL BY CUSTOMS
, MEANING, DEFINITION AND NATURE -CONTROL BY FoLKWAYS AND MORES CONTROL BY RELIGION AND
PURPOSES OF SoCALCONTROL
MORALUTYCONTROL BY SANCTIONS CoNTROL BY FASHIONS,
Tos OF SoCGAL CONTROL: FORMAL AND INFORMAL CONTROL
-CoNTROL BY LAWCONTROL RITES, RITUALS AND CEREMONIES, ETIQUETTES.
AGENCIES OF SocIAL CONTROL:
Br EouCATION -CONTROL BY PUBLIC OPINION CONTROL By

everywhere he
Rousseau's book Social Contract' begins with a famous sentence: *Man is born free, and
The collective life of man is possible only
tinchains". It is true that man cannot be absolutely free in society. that in his own
man has revealed to him
in the context of social constraints. The sustained social experience of
control which is over and above him.
interest and in the interest of others he must subject himself to some kind of
be attained not with unbounded
Atainment of individual happiness is the main aim of social life. The happiness can
exercising its control
fredom for action but with restrained behaviour. Man has given to society the power of
over the behaviour of its members through various
Over his behaviour. The control which the society exercises
mechanisms can be referred to as 'social control'.

MEANING OF SOCIAL CONTROL

harmony, social solidarity
The survival and smooth functioning of the society is possible only when there exist in it social
opment. Individual members of the society must
and social order. Social barmony or solidarity is not an automatic devel-
harmony or order only when they
stive and struggle to bring it out. Members of the society are able to bring about social self-seeking
prevail over the
COntorn to certain accepted standards of behaviour or norms. Conformity to norms must
pleasures, Individual by
Impulses of the people. Group welfare or societal welfare must take precedence over individual
social control refers
Linself cannot do this. Hence society exercises its force or control over the individual members. Thus
lo the control of society over the individual. Social control implies a system of device through which society controls the
activities of individual members.
E.A. Ross was the first American sociologist to deal with this concept of social control in his famous book "Social
Control"' published in 1901. In fact, it was he who first used the concept of 'social control' in sociological discussion. Since
dicn the concept has become quite popular. According to Ross, the individual has deeprooted sentiments that help him to
coperate with other felow members to work for social welfare. These sentiments are sympathy, sociabiliy and asense of
jaice. But these sentiments by themselves are not enough to suppress the self-seeking impulses of the individual. Society
S lo make use of its mechanisms to accomplish the necessary order and discipline. Ross has stressed upon the roles of
Peoe opinion, law, belief, suggestion, religion, ideols, ceremony, etc. in establishing social control.
 456 Sociology
DEFINITION OF SOCIAL CONTROL
1. Fairchild. "Social
Control is the sum total of the processes where by society, or any sub groun
Dceures conformity to expectation on the nan of its constituent units, ind1viduals and groups"
2. E. A. Ross,
"Social Control refers tothe "system of devices whereby society brings its members
witin soiehy
with the accepted standards of into
behaviour".
D. Manheim. "Social Control is the sum of those methods by which a society ries influence human
maintain a given order:"
contoTmity
behaviouTty
4. Ogburn and
Nimkoffhave
order and established rules."
said that social control refersto "the patterns of pressure whichas
sOciety exeris to maintain
5. J.S. Roucek, 'Social
Control' is aocollective term usedto refer to "those processes planned or
individuals are taught,
6. GA. Lundberg and
persuaded or compelled to conform to the usages and life-valuessof
groups".
others shave said that social control designates "those social behaviours whichi
unplanned, by which
or groups toward conformity to
established desired norms". influence indivduals
Nature of Social Control
The above-mentioned definitions suggest that social control consists of the
followng essential aspects:
1. Social control denotes s
some kind of influence: The influence may be exercised in various wayss
by means of
opinion, coercion, religion, morality, ideology, leadership, etc. public
2. The influence is essentially exerted by the society or community: The influence is exerted at various 1
indicate the entire society's influence over all the innumerable smaller groups,
denote the influence of a dominant group over
levels. ItIt may
sub-groups and individuals.
several smaller groups. It may signity the group's dominance nu
the individual members. It may reflect in some cases the
influence of a few extra-ordinary individuals over tk
ordinary individuals.
3. The influence is exercised for promoting the
welfare of all the individuals or of the group as a whole: Sorcial
Control is not aimless. It is there to serve the general interests of all and to curb the dangerous selfish interests of
those who try to satisfy them.
4. The influence of the society has been there
since times immemorial: Social Control is as old as human society
It is an essential condition of the human society. In
the absence of social control no society can ever hold together
its members for any length of time.
5. The influence is universal: Where there is
society there is social control. It is there even in the s0-called uncivilised,
barbaric and cannibalistic societies.
PURPOSES OF SOCIAL CONTROL
The purpose of 'social control' as the very term indicates, is to
exercise control over people in an effective manner. Why
the control is needed? According to Kimball Young, it is
necessary "to bring about conformity, solidarity, and continuity o
aparticulargroup or society". The three purposes of social control
and continuity of the group- may be described below.
mentioned by Kimball Young- conformity, solidarity
1. Social control brings about social
conformity: This is the main purpose of social
society is a multigroup society differential norms will have to co-exist. As a result,control. Since the moden complex
behavioural patterns of difteren
groups differ significantly. But these differences should not be allowed to exceed the limits of
must be made to feel the need for security. For the sake of tolerance. Peopie
security they are obliged, to accept conformity. su
Control thus provides for conformity.
2. Social control brings about solidarity: The second main purpose of social control is to create in the mindsof
people the feeling of identity and ofsolidarity. For the proper and smooth functioning of the society the diferent
organisations and institutions ofthe social system must be properlyintegrated. Otherwise,in this competitive world
the weaker group may be completely exploited by the stronger one, or equally powerful groups mayclashamong
themselves and spoil peace and order. Some groups may even develop anti-societal attitudes and pose permanent
danger to the organisation offthe society. It becomes necessary for the society to establish a reasonable balanceof
 Meaning and Nature of Social Control 457
equilibrium between different groups and institutions. This would repose confidence
among people. Society does
through various means of social control.
this
3 Sociall control assures the continuity of social group or society: Societies not only struggle for stability and solidarity
for their own survival or continuity. Continuity is the
butalso bed-rock on which the future of the society depends.
Society maintains its continuity by controlling effectively its people and their
groups. Due to this
meansof social control
become in course of time a pan of
culture. As a part of culture they are continuity the
one
to
generation another. Thus, various means of social
control function endlessly to maintain thetransmitted from
the society. continuity of 126
SOCIAL CONTROL Today,
TYPES OF
Society makes use of various means of social control depending upon the time and social situation for the
purposes.Itis left to the discretion of the group to decide what means must be used at what time and in realisation with
ofits communities magic and superstitious beliefs what social
situstion.ln some primitive are enough to exercise control. In a rural
society
ranssuchas folkways, mores, customs, traditions, beliefs are enough to act as social pressures on individual behaviour. the
inthe
modem urban society, radio, television, newspapers, schools and spread
But
colleges, variousforce,
caforcing conformity. In fact, societies have developed consciously or unconsciously police devicesetc.,for may
thebe used forof
purpose Rural
anatrolling the behaviour of their members. Formal and informal control represent two kinds of devices. and
of
Urban
Formal and Informal Control
urban
eialControl can be classified into two major types on the basis of the means of (Communities
social control that are employed. patterns
rural
into
They are: 1. Formal control, and 2. Informnal contro.
1. Formal Control
The state makes use of law, legislation, military force, police force, administrative devices, etc., for the purpose
scial control. Similarly, different political, religious, economic, cultural and other associations and institutions also
tinute fomal control over the behaviour of the members. Formal control is deliberately created. Various rules are laid
donn to make it specific. The necessity of fallowing fornal control or rules is clearly stated by associations and institutions,. areas,
rUral
Violators of formal control are given punishments depending upon the nature and type of violation. The organisation that
Makes use of formal control may even create a body of officials vested with power to enforce control as we find it in the
case of state which has established the police, military force, etc. In brief, an association, whether it is a state or a bank,
ar an army, or a factory or anything has its own norms through which it controls the behaviour of the members. All these
come under formal control. Formal control has become a necessity in the modern complex societies in which interaction
is mostly impersonal in nature.
2. Informal Control
Informal Control includes gossip, slander, resentment, public opinion. sympathy, sense ofjustice, folkways, mores,
customs, religion, morality and such other agents. These are not purposefully created. Nothing could be said with certainty
Chapter 8
regarding their origin. They arise on their own way and in course of time gain currency and popularity. They become deep
rooted with people in their practices. No specific punishment would be given to the violators of informal control. Still they
are more effective than the formal control. They do not require any extra staff to enforce them as it is so in the case of formal
control. They do not have the physical force to enforce conformity to them. Hence, people may not observe them or go
against them without being physically punished for the same. Faith in religion, moral convictions, public opinion, artistic
Standard, and the general state of enlightenment are found to be more important in informal control.
Informal control is more efective in primary social groups such as family, neighbourhood, tribe, rural community where
mleraction takes place on a personal basis. Whenever the group or the society becomes larger (in terms of population) and
more complex, the informal devices of control become less effective. Simple gossip and slander and censure can correct
am erring ruralite but not an urban citizen. The anonymity of city life which has added to the confidence of the individual
that he could commit an offence without being noticed or caught by others who are mostly engaged in their own business,
contributes to the non-efectiveness of informal control. Hence informal methods have given place to the formal ones such
s law, education, coercion and codes, though less efiective informal control also functions along with fomal control in
urban areas in regulating people's activities.
 teechnologyarethe
and connected
science worldis
458 Sociology enforceformal or
modern formal edu
way,
custoims,
nformal control
CONTROL agencies which may mores. the Inthis carly socialisa
ystem.
AGENCIES OF SOCIAL its own hand, tolkways,number and
bycreating inthe
Society or group maintains social
control
and codes on
the one
Conventjon ofconduct. education
theseyariety of devices
purpose. The changesin
the
education, physical coercion the societyfor this of some of influcntial
as law, society. The role been
Agencies such
have been used by
tradition, religion, etc., on the other, degree of complexity of life in a agencies mayhe t
great
they
But
have
educators have sug
and agencies employed depend onthe Some mind
to.stuffthe
briefly discussed here. attempt
society. Laws
appear onlv in regard,thesch
Rouceksociopines
eties an this
1. Control by Law control in the
modern ways. J.s with reality.In Counts has remar!
means of social defined in various
Law is the most powerful formal Law' has been
that "law is an that GeongeS. can arrive
now

a political organisation, that is a

government. The term
from political
agencies". Roscoe Pound says authoritative canon no-where and
means, ofo
course, to
"Laws are a form ofsocial ruleemanating organised society': activity prescribed by properly aspect
of politically conditions of human the statefor particular,to those
of value laid down by the force Laws are the general a product of. teaching
The main characteristics of law are-())
enacted by a proper
law-making authority. It is
applies equally to all
conscious thought. personsfor the
its members. (2) Law is called law, only if Law is definite, clear and precise. (4) Law
punishments determined by the
|without excepion Education from infancy
right
penalti
(3)
deliberate attempts$andcareful planning. oflawis followed by penalties and
cannot appear in non-
authority of the norms and the
in identical circumstances. (5) Violation
and recorded in some
fashion. Hence they
directed.
-literate society,. social and with p
intellectual basis
state. (6) Laws are always written down whom they are societ
voluntary consent of persons against
rules inocluding political rules, or individual and
(7) Laws are not the result of pointed out. "AIl social of the controlinto
derived from various sources. As J. S. Roucek has existing conceptions offjustice and convertssocial
Law is
of long standing and are based upon
and Jeois)
right arbitrary press
laws, originated first in custom or folkways societies law is based upon moral notions". LawS are made merely as an
true that "in all of law and morals avs ofsocialcontrol.
In agiven community". It is doctrines, jdeals and mores. It does not mean that the domains
are enacted on the basis of
social climate ofa society'". (Botto Opi
maintenance oflegal order depends upon the moral Controlby Public
extensive. Still it can be said that the physical sanctions. It very much depends
never rests solely upon the threat of Public Opinion is an
ir
The effectiveness of legal regulation itself is determined by moral annrnval
for a particular legal order. This attitude
a general attitude of respect for law, amd acerta.
held by a public at
of law as containing social justice. sometimes the amed express on
Laws are enforced with the help of the police, the court, and people have to
requires enforcing agencies.
law-enforcing agency. Increasing complexity of the modern industral
Law of a group.
forces. Administrative machinery of the state is the main
agencies. Law is, in fact the control of administrative power Publicopinion is of
society has necessitated enormous growth of administrative
instrument of control performs two functions: (i) It eliminates and the needs, ideas, beliefs, a
which is vested in the government officials. Law as an
individuals topay attention to the rights of others as
suppresses the homnicidal activities of individuals. (ii) Lawpersuades of thepeople is influenced
the individuals and society and promotes social
well as 1o act in cO-operation with others. In this way law tries to protect respectability when they E
welfare. behaviour is acceptable an
in which social behaviour
It isalmost impossible now-a-days to conceive of a society of any degree of complexity Contemporary There are various age
phenomenon.
would be completely regulated by moral sanctions. Law has thus become inevitably a pervasive
international relations would reveal the importance of law in social control it may be true that the moral unityof the mankind are the main controlling a
is now greater than ever before. But moral sentiments alone are not enough today to regulate relations. They are by necessity The press' includes
supplemented by the law. for it covers everyday eve
press. As an agency of sc
2. Control by Education It affects their
Education may be defined as a process whereby the social heritage of agroup is passed on from one generation ideology
another. is in this sense, Durkhein conceived of education as "the socialisation of the younger generation". He also Radio is another ag
stated, *lt is actually a continuous effort to impose on the child ways of seeing, feeling and acting which he could not nav Itis through the radio the
arrived at spontaneously". Brown and Roucek have said that education is the sum total of the experience which moulds e and ideas, In the same
attitudes and determines the conduct of both the child and the adult". Education is every experience, trifling or profound.
Movies or motion
which durably modifies, thought, feeling or action.
behaviour of the people
Education is not just concemed with ransmiting a way of life. In the modern times it is largely devoted towold
te They identify themselve
communication of empirical knowledge. It is required today to prepare individuals for achanging rather than a static Some emotionally distu
Formal education has been communicating ideas and values which play a part in regulating behaviour. In modern society to improve
people's tas
 Meaning and Nature of Social Control 459
technology are the basis of a general rational approach to nature and social life. The
with the whole rationalisation of
force formal or modermworld
is connected development of science. The chief instrument of this
developmentto istheeducational
ys, mores, informal
customs, control.
gseM.Inthis: way, formal education can be viewed as atype of social control. Education has contributed
he

of the child. Educational reformers such as

regulation

these agencies dnetvioicnes.

co n ve
e number and inthecarly socialisation
f some of variety of onduct
ret inthe education of young
changes
children. These reforms revealthe moralMontessori
and Frocbel have brought about
notions external to the educational system.
may be been influcntial in changing moral idecas in society at large.
have
Aatthey
Some cducators have suggested that education must be used for making a "good society". Education is not primarily
-s appear only in stuffthe mind with information, but train people to think to distinguish between truth and error to arrive at
attempttoregard, the school is taken to mean a
ways. J.S.
tlaw is an Rouceksociopietineess twihatth n Inthis,
aliy. community of experience" rather than as a "series of planned lessons".
GogeS Counts has remarked that Education, emptied of all social control and considered solely as method, points
autthoritative canon
ivity prescribedi by
A-Hhereandcan arrivenowhere....Today people send their children to the schools to be taught
properly.
moperly means, of course, to be taught in accordance with the wishes of the community". The community is "To
most be taught
sensitive,
product of the: state for
equally to all conscious thought, ia particular, to those aspects of teachingthat have social and moral significance. Hence much attention is paid to select
rightpersonsfor the teaching profession.
ermined by thewithout texceptoftheion
authority Educationfrom infancy to adulthood is a vital means of social control. Through education new generation learns the
appear in non-literate SCialnorms andi the penalties for violating them. Theoretical education, that is reading and writing, serves to form the
s
society. intellectual basis and with practical education one learns to put this into practice. Without proper education the harmony
includingofpolitical rules, or individual and society is not merely difficult but also impossible. Education makes social control quite normal. It
nceptions
ws are made justice and right comertssociall control into self-control. In the absence of a well organised educational system, social control would remain
ins of law andand legislations o as an arbitrary pressure which may not last long. Hence, education is a necessary condition for the proper exercise
ce ofa morals are co of socialcontrol.
society".
It very much (Bottomore),
depends upon
etermined by moral approval Control by Public Opinion
Public Opinion is an important agency of social control. As K. Young has said, Public Opinion consists ofthe opinion
1, and held by a publicat acertain time". According to V. . Akolkar, Public opinion simply refers to that mass of ideas which
sometimes the armed
exity of the moderm industrial neople have to express on a given issue". Public opinion may be said to be the collective opinion of majority of members
rol of ofa group.
administrative
ctions: ()) It eliminatespower
and Public opinion is of great significance especially in democratic societies. Through public opinion the knowledge of
on to the rights of others as the needs, ideas, beliefs, and values of people can be ascertained. It influences the social behaviour of people, Behaviour
ociety and promotes social ofthe people is influenced by ideas, attitudes and desires which are reflected by public opinion. People get recognition and
respectability when they behave according to accepted social expectations. Public opinion helps us to know what type of
in which social behaviour behaviour is acceptable and what is not.
nenomenon. Contemporary There are various agencies for the formulation and expression ofpublic opinion. The press,radio, movies and legislatures
moral unity of the mankind are the main controlling agencies of public opinion.
ons. They are by necessity
The press includes newspapers, magazines and journals of variouskinds. The newspaper provides the stuff ofopinion
tort covers everyday events and policies. Many decisions of thepeople are influenced by information available through the
Press, As an agency of social control the press seeks to influence the tastes, ideas, attitudes and preferences of the readers.
n from one generation to Tatects their ideology also. It enforces morality by exposing the moral lapses of the leaders.
ger generation". He also Kadio is another agency of publicopinion that influences behaviour. It influences our language, customs and institutions.
which he could not have
erience which moulds the
trough the radio that human voice can reach millions ofpeople at the same time. It can dramatise and popularise events
and ideas. In the same way, television has also been influencing people's behaviour.
nce, trifling or profound. OVes or motion pictures exert great influence on publicopinion. They have eftectively changed the attitudes and
the urO the people. Movie-goers are relaxed and unaware of the fact that they are being aftected by ideas and values.
5 largely devoted to enuty themselves with the leading characters and unconsciously accept the attitudes, values, etc., implicit in the role.
ather than a static world
iour. In modern society
notionally disturbed people often search solutions for their problems through, movies. Through films it is possible
nprove people's tastes, jdeas and attitudes to some extent.
 460 Sociology
public experience has revea
Legislature at present is the most effective agency for the formulation and expression of opinion. The Human
when it is used to the m
laws that control
in the legislatures influence public opinion particularly in democratic system. It makes
activities. It should be noted that legislature itself is subject to the influence of the people. people's debrae rendered
somedegree of compulsion
good,.
force is limited it t becom
of
Control by Propaganda the use couldi be most fully as
Issociety
and
"Propaganda is an organised or systematic attempt made by a person or agroup to infuence publicc opinion andi Control by Customs
in any sphere"-Akolkar. It refers to the techniques of influencing human action by the manipulation of at itude
is a means of influencing others, often towards a' desirable end.
Propaganda can affect people's faith, ideology, attitude and behaviour. It can also be used to old
re
replace
presentations. h Customs represent a
sOCiey". -Maclver
kind
and. Page. M
training th
practices with the new ones. Propaganda may bring about positive as well as negative results. Govenmental beliefs and working. worshipping,
Individuals ca
such as medical department, planning department, cooperative department, customs department, income tax
etc. make propaganda to help peopleto mendtheir ways and also to develop right habits, practices and approaches.
departtmmentet,,
depar
rules of
social life.

Allnormal people
prefer to |
ridicule off the
government maintains a department to influence people in the direction of accepted patterns. This departmenttis Every the objections and
department of 'public relation' or "publicity". The health department may make use of various devices and called the original thinking on every asp
propaganda to impress upon people to take precautions to control contagious diseases. The planning department techniques
of
may try to
Customs enlighten man in
Customs are conformed
mo
his soe
appeal to the people through effective propaganda the necessity of controlling birth rate. The income tax departme
rarely opposec
try to create fear in the minds of tax payers of the consequences of evading taxes through propaganda. Customs are very
consider themharmful. While th
Propaganda plays avital role in both democratic and dictatorial countries. In democratic countries propaganda is mo
used topersuade people to accept some opinions or reject some others or to follow some new practices or drop out individuals have the courage of
old ones. But in dictatorial countries it is used by the government mainly to suppress public opinion or to make peonle t Customs are basic to our co
mo
believe what it wants them to believe. Mass media of communication are used for this purpose. Propaganda by itself i: primitive society than in the
ncither good nor bad. It depends on the purpose for which it is used and how it is used. slowly losing i
society custom is
To make propaganda very effective the propagandists repeat them regularly and systematically. They present oniy
one side of the question and furnish vast evidences in support of it. They condemn their opponents and resort to self-praise
Control by Folkways and
Folkways and mores repres
in an intelligent way. To get enduring effects they concentrate on children and try to 'brainwash' them. Totaliarian stats
normally try to do this. They even make education an instrument of propaganda. Control by Folkways
Folkways' refer to the way
Control by Coercion
which people confom because i
Coercion, that is, the use of physical force is one of the forms of social control; Coercion refers to the use of physical by any special agency of society
force to stop or control a work or an action. Whenever people are refrained from doinga particular work or whenever SOme to greet friends, to give respect t
limits are put deliberately on the range of their choice through the use of force, or through the threat of its usage. They are our folkways.
consequences,
they may be said to be under coercion.
Folkways are not as compu
Coercion is an extreme form of violence. State is the only association which is empowered to use coercion in social formal means. But the violators
control. No other association is vested with this power. It becomes necessary for the state to resort to can neglect or violate all of ther
coercion to suppress
anti-social trends and activities, Otherwise there would be no security for social life. It is necessary to keep within limis
the self-interest, the greed, the lawlessness, and the intolerance ever ready to assert its will over and stability of social relations.
others. It is necessary to folk-ways at different stages rele
protect the interests of the weaker groups, minorities, servants, slaves, poor and the like. Safeguarding the political and made to follow them because th
social order is the main service of force.
Force alone cannot protect the social order, but without force the order could never be secure. Control by Mores
*Without force lawB *Mores' or Morals' represa
in danger of being dethroned, though force alone can, never keep law in its throne",
become 'mores'. Mores are con:
Though force is essential, it has its own limitations. The intervention of force substitutes a mechanical for a socia while the negative mores or tat
relationship. The use of force indicates the denial of the possibility of co- operation. It treats the human being as thoug their country, to look after their
he were merely a physical object. Force is the end of mutuality. Force by itself admits no expression of human impuise not to become unpatriotic, not t
against whom it is wielded. Further, the exercise of power is a wasteful operation. It checks all the ordinary processe
of life. all the give-and-take of common living. The more it is used the more it breeds resistance, thus Mores represent the living
necesst- tau They are morally right and their
still more enforcement.
 Meaning and Nature of Social
1experiencehas revealed that
coercion force is
or Control461
Human
whenit is used to the
enered minimum. Where a common rule is necessary
as the guarantee
of political laws. Its
necessary or beneficial forservice
consid- ered is best
somedegree of
compulsion is involved. Hence force becomes
e is limited it becomes the
x . Torce necessary to enforce the common rule. the common
servant fundamental liberties of
of
of
use
sdRierycould be most fully achieve. people. Onlythen the harmony ofBut only when

ontrolbyCustoms
individuality
Customs'represent a kind of informal social control. "The socially
"~Maclver and Page. Many of our.daily activities are regulated by accredited ways of acting are the customs of
aking.worshipping, training the young, celebrating festivals, customs. Our ways of dressing, speaking, eating,
etc.,are all controlled by
sociallife. Individuals can hardly escape their hold. customs. They are self-accepted
pesof
AllnormalI people prefer
to Ilive according to the customs for
theysave much of our energy and time.
objectionsandridicule of the society. Customs give guidance for They save us from
te people in every activity. One need not
have to resort
thinking on every aspect. The role played by customs in life is
ennlighten man in his social life. comparable to the role of instincts in animals.
(istomss
Customs are conformed mostly unconsciously. Man learns them from his
very childhood and
Customs are very rarely opposed. Even the harmful customs are also obeyed by most of the peoplegoes on obeying them.
considerthem harmful. While those who consider them harmful lack the
because they do not
courage to oppose them, only some exceptional
individualshave the courage of going against them or carrying on protest against them.
Asctoms are basic to our collective life. They are found
everywhere. They are more influential and dominant in the
primitive society than the modern society. In the tribal societies
they act as the "King of Man'". In the modern complex
sOcietycustom is slowly losing its hold over people, and giving place to law.
Control by Folkways and Mores
Folkways and mores represent two important types of informal control.
Control by Folkways
Folkways' refer to the ways of the people. They are "the repetitive petty acts of thepeople". Folkways are the norms to
Nhich people conform because it is expected of them. Confor- mity to the folkways is neither required by law nor
enforced
bv any special agency of society. For example, there is no law that compels us to wash clothes, to take bath, to brush teeth,
lo greet friends, to give respect to elders, etc. Still we do many such activities without thinking over them. It is a matter of
Isge. They are our folkways.
Folkways are not as compulsive and obligatory as laws or morals. Those who violate folkways are not punished by
ivmal means. But the violators are put to gossip, slander and ridicule. One can ignore a few of the folkways but no one
an neglect or violate all of them. They constitute an important part of the social structure. They contribute to the order
ad sability of social relations. Human infants learn them through their elders through socialisation. They learn different
lolk-ways at different stages relevant to their class, caste, ethnic, religious, occupational, marital and other statuses. We are
made to follow them because they are binding. They become with us a matter of habit.
Control by Mores
Mores or 'Morals' represent another category of norms. When 'folkways' act as regulators of behaviour then they
vetome `mores'. Mores are considered to be essential for group welfare. The positive mores prescribe behaviour patterns
Hlle the negative mores or taboos prescribe or prohibit behaviour patterns. Mores for example, instruct people to love
er country, to look after their wives and children, to tell the truth, to be helpful to others, etc. They also insist on people
o become unpatriotic, not to show disrespect to the god, not to steal, cheat, etc.
Mores represent the living character of the group. They are always considered as righ' by the people whocontribute
share them.to
They morally right and their
are violation morally wrong. Hence they are more compulsive in nature. Mores
|462 Sociology
the solidarity and harmony of the group. They help the individuals to identifythemselves with the group.
its own mores. There are mores for each sex. for all ages, for all classes, for all families and so on. Every group has
Mores help the individualsto realise that communityliving or collective life is possible only when one
the norms. Mores weldthe individual with the group or the society without damaging his personal liberty. conforms
through mores that the society is notagainst him. They differ from place to place and time to time. They Individual learns
of time the basis of law. Laws are often called "codified mores". become in course
Control by Religion and Morality
Religion and morality are the most effective means of informal social control in both modern and primitive
Control by Religion societies
Religion refersto man's faith or beliefin some supernatural power or force. As Maclver and Page have said,, religion
arelationship not merely between man and man but also between man and somne higher power". Religious concept is the t
with man's relationship with God. The behaviour which is in conformity with this relationship is religious behaviour. The
"implies
concerned with religious behaviour constitute the religious code. The main purpose of religious code is to insist on rel:
conformity. Religious conformity in most of the cases will be in consonance with social conformity. Because th
intention of the religious code is to make man basically good, obedient and helpful to others.
Religion regulates the activities of people in its own way. It regulates human conduct, through religious code T.
conceptions of spirits, ghosts, taboos, soul, divine commandments, sermon, etc., control human actions and enforce discinli
Ideas of helland heaven too have great effects on the behaviour of people. It has agreat disciplinary value.
Man as areligious being tries to adjust, or restrain or mend his behaviour to secure the blessings of the divinity, Heis
afraid of going against the divine will or the divine rule. Religion has a'supra- social sanction' to enforce obedience to the
religious code. Religion demands total surrender to the divine force or power. Man by surrendering himself to the divire
force tries to suppress his own impulses and selfish desires.
In yet another way also religion serves as a means of social control. Religion conserves the norms and values of ite
Religion defines and redefines values. Moral, spiritual and social values are strongly supported by religion. Through the
agencies such as family, church, school, religion inculcates the values of life in the minds of growing children. As Thomas:
E ODea has pointed out, "religion sacralises the norms and values of established society". It maintains the dominance
ofgroup goals over individual impulses".
Religion has its own methods to deal with those individuals who violate religious code or norms. Various religious
agencies such as temples, churches, muts, monasteries created by religion also help to control and humble the disobedients.
Religion has its own ways and means to re-integrate the disobedients into the social group. Further, religious sanctions are
widely made use of to support the ethical codes and moral practices.
Control by Morality
Morality is an institution that is closely related to religion. Morality is concerned with the conceptions of goons
and evil. It refers to that body of rules and principles concerned with good and evil as manifested to as by
conscience.
These rules are admitted at large by the community. Honesty, faithfulness., fairmess., service-mindedness, truthfulnes
conscientiousness, kindness, sacrifice, incorruptibility, etc., represent some of the moral concepts. People who are moe
goodare also socially good.
Morality always helps to make a distinction between right and wrong or good and bad. Hence morality acts as ayu
of human behaviour. Moral rules are obeyed because of internal pressure. This pressure refers to the
pressure of consci
But in the case of religion, man obeys religious rule because of his fear towards God. In morality, man is not very
afraid of God, but he is afraid of society. Morality is based on rational judgement or rationality whereas religion S
on faith and emotions.
good
Religion and morality are mutually complementary and supportive. What is morally good is in most of the casessane
spiritually also. The fulfilment of God's will and the performance of moral actions are, therefore, two aspects of the
 Bothare concerned with the
'higher law' which stands over Meaning and Nature of Social
rocess.
Thoughnotalways morality supports religious and above the Control 463
ontrol. morality with its beliefs and considers sphere of the state and
that"Religion is moralitysuper-natural religiosity as a moral virtue. In theoutside
rligionreinforces state
touched withsanctions. Both jointly command same
Arnoldsays
thatissthe duty to be
religious". emotions'" H. Bradley opines, "it iscontrol
. F. and human conduct. Mathew
a moral
way,
Controlby SanctioDs duty not to be
immoral
Sanctions are the supporters of norms,
the Sanctions refer to"the rewards or
loenforce norms ina society.The basic purpose of
is. punishments used to establishsocial
hat sanction is to bring
Npersuade,anindividual or group to conform to social expectations.
control,
about conformity.
They are used to force D.lmrot life 126
Sanctions may be applied in various ways, ranging from the is
use of
Negatively, they may anything from a raised eyebrow to the death physical force to symbolic
be becomingToday,
sentence. Positively, means, such as
honorarydegree. they range from a flattery.
Sanctions are applied in various ways. The type of smile to an clocer with
negative. Those sanctions
sanctions which inflict pain or also vary with the
positive or groups and
threaten to do so are negative. situations.
They may be urbanishowto the
re_ponseby rewards are positive. Both positive and negative Those which elicit
include verbal methods such as praise, flattery, suggestion,
sanctions may apply a wide variety of means. and facilitate Iarort sprcd
Rural
persuasion, some of education, Positive sanctions
propaganda,, slogans, giving rewards, medals,
propa others, name-calling, threats, badges, uniforms, titles, ctc. egative
commands, censorship, means indoctrination,
and finally oven action. Theinclude-gossip,
advertising.
slander, satire,
o Urban
and

sanction when: no other way method of overt action is the

final remains open. In this method pain, suffering and
includes fines, imprisonment, whipping, mutilation, torture, even death is s included. Overt Communities
are applied only by the state. banishment, ostracism and death. Extreme negativeaction also tpatterns
he
sanctions
Control by Miscellaneous Norms hiehest sent
into
is
Control by Fashion somewhat
Eashion may be defined as permitted range of deeree rural
Aonds and also want to be different from them. variation around a norm. People want to be like their
associates and
Fashion is a device beautifully suited to reconcile these opposing areas,
Eashion permits and regulates variety and thereby avoids a dulland tendencies. o
individuality without going against norms. In conforming to fashion deadening uniformity. They help us to express our uneven.
we imitate our contemporaries. rural
conformity to fashion in dress are very powerful. Thus no woman wants to Sanctions that support
or trivial changes in fashions are called 'fads'. attend a dinner party in a night dress. Superficial
People follow both and try to conform to their requirements. Fashion has
become all pervasive. People want to eat fashionable foods, wear
fashionable amusenments, etc.
fashionable dresses, read fashionable books, enjoy
Control by Ceremonies, Rites, Rituals and Etiquette
Rites, rituals and ceremonies add dignity anda kind of special
significance to various events of social life. They mark
some occasions with solemnity and introduce enjoyment to others. More than that they
his groups, his community, and his nation.
serve to identify the individual
with
Chapter 8
Ceremonies are observed everywhere. The birth of a baby, confirmation, graduation, the death of an old man, the
Inauguration of a new factory, a promotion, the publication of a book, a new record in athletics, etc., are all events that draw
special attention. Ceremony confers public recognition to them. Ceremony regularises or standardises situations which
people confront for which they may not otherwise find a guide for action. For example, the funeral ceremony helps the
Survivors to meet the crisis of death.
Rite' also refers to aceremony. It sometimes conveys asense of secrecy, of aceremony known only to the initiated.
Al secret societies have their rites and also people with high qualifications have them. Example: An oral examination for
ie degree of doctor of philosophy. Through this the candidate joins the limited and selected few.
Kitual is also a ceremony but it is characterised by repetition. It is periodically or repeatedly performed. Ex. Republic
va, Independence Day, Wedding Anniversary, New Year's Day, Martyrs' Day, May Day, etc. Ritual introduces temporal
Tgularity and a precision of detail into many of the events that characterise our social life. Ritual also induces a sense of
identification with the group.
 464 Sociology
social interaction of people
Etiquette: Etiquette is a code of precise procedures that governs the It
notion of propriety. Example: To give some gifts to the host, to place a guest of honour at appropriate
three functions
dinner, to present some gift to the bride, etc., Sociologically speaking, etiquette serves
containfosrmthale
seat at a
()
social It
standard procedures to be followed on specific occasions. (ii) It indicates membership in a certain
It serves to maintain social distance where intimacy or familiarity is not required. Etiquette repels class,preandscrib(uies
at specific occasions.
unwanted approaches
(?) REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. What do you mean by social control? Discuss its nature, purpose and types.
2. Bring out the importance of social control.
3. Give the definitions of social control.
4. Describe the fomal and informal means of social control.
5. Elucidate the role of various agencies in social control.
6. Give the classification of social control. Discuss each type in detail.
7. Assess the impact of religion on social control.
8. Folkways and mores represent two important types of informal control. Discuss.
9. Critically analyse the role of miscellaneous norms in social control.