Social control is a vigorously debated topic given the rhetoric in the United States today. As many Americans feel a sense of distrust with those who are sworn to protect them, it is important to consider the factors that shape the views of these individuals. At the root of the discussion, social control emerges as a driving force for both sides of the argument. Social control can be broken down into two categories: formal social control and informal social control. Formal social control is, “exercised by the government and other organizations who use law enforcement mechanisms and sanctions such as fines and imprisonment to enact social control.” (website). Informal social control refers to, “the reactions of individuals and groups that bring
…show more content…
Americans look to Law Enforcement and the Government for protection and Law and they also look to the informal social control mechanisms for acceptance and cultural norms (website). These influences shape who we become and how we act. Both are mutually dependent on each other, but are mutually exclusive in the way that they are administered. For instance, one’s parents and peers can influence behavior either positively or negatively. A child who is subjected to abuse and subsequently grows up as a criminal can potentially trace its antisocial behavior back to the abuse it received as a child. When this child is an adult, he or she may act out against society, resulting in formal sanctions from the courts, thus exacerbating the antisocial behavior. Alternatively, a child who receives praise from its parents and peers can grow up to be a model citizen who may never receive formal sanctions. According to Paternoster, Saltzman, Waldo and Chiricos (1983), “The general point is that individuals who appear to subscribe the most to the societal condemnation of crime are the ones who tend to view punishment as the most certain, and they may commit fewer criminal acts because of societal condemnation rather than fear of punishment.” (p. 460). This in and of itself shows that informal social control plays a major role in modern
Americans look to Law Enforcement and the Government for protection and Law and they also look to the informal social control mechanisms for acceptance and cultural norms (website). These influences shape who we become and how we act. Both are mutually dependent on each other, but are mutually exclusive in the way that they are administered. For instance, one’s parents and peers can influence behavior either positively or negatively. A child who is subjected to abuse and subsequently grows up as a criminal can potentially trace its antisocial behavior back to the abuse it received as a child. When this child is an adult, he or she may act out against society, resulting in formal sanctions from the courts, thus exacerbating the antisocial behavior. Alternatively, a child who receives praise from its parents and peers can grow up to be a model citizen who may never receive formal sanctions. According to Paternoster, Saltzman, Waldo and Chiricos (1983), “The general point is that individuals who appear to subscribe the most to the societal condemnation of crime are the ones who tend to view punishment as the most certain, and they may commit fewer criminal acts because of societal condemnation rather than fear of punishment.” (p. 460). This in and of itself shows that informal social control plays a major role in modern