Formal Social Control vs. Informal Social Control: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 15, 2024
Formal social control refers to the enforcement of norms and laws by officially designated bodies such as the police and courts. Informal social control involves the regulation of behavior by societal norms and expectations through community.
Key Differences
Formal Social Control is implemented by recognized institutions to maintain order and enforce laws. Informal Social Control, on the other hand, relies on social norms and peer pressure.
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Feb 15, 2024
The agents of Formal Social Control include legal systems, law enforcement, and government institutions. Conversely, family, friends, and community play key roles in Informal Social Control.
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Feb 15, 2024
Formal Social Control uses legal sanctions like fines or imprisonment. Informal Social Control employs moral and social sanctions like shame or approval.
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Feb 15, 2024
Formal Social Control is codified in laws and regulations. Informal Social Control is based on customs, traditions, and unwritten social norms.
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Feb 15, 2024
The scope of Formal Social Control is broader and universal, whereas Informal Social Control is more subjective and varies across cultures and groups.
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Feb 15, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Methods
Legal sanctions (fines, imprisonment)
Social and moral sanctions (shame, approval)
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Formality
High level of formality and structure
Informal, based on personal relationships
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Feb 15, 2024
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Formal Social Control and Informal Social Control Definitions
Formal Social Control
The enforcement of norms and rules by official institutions.
The court exercised formal social control by sentencing the offender.
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Informal Social Control
Unwritten rules and expectations enforced by community and culture.
Community norms act as informal social control in small towns.
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Formal Social Control
Official measures to maintain public order and compliance.
Imposing fines for littering is a form of formal social control.
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Informal Social Control
Social mechanisms that regulate individual and group behavior.
Peer pressure is a common form of informal social control among teenagers.
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Formal Social Control
Structured control by government and legal entities.
Building regulations are enforced as formal social control.
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Informal Social Control
Behavior control through non-legal means such as customs and traditions.
Religious teachings often provide informal social control within communities.
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Formal Social Control
Regulation of behavior through laws and legal systems.
Police officers enforce formal social control by upholding traffic laws.
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Informal Social Control
Regulation of behavior by societal norms and expectations.
Family disapproval served as informal social control against bad behavior.
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Formal Social Control
Institutionally imposed norms and behaviors.
The tax system operates as a mechanism of formal social control.
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Informal Social Control
Socially imposed conduct standards by personal relationships.
Friends exerting informal social control by discouraging risky behavior.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Are laws the only form of formal social control?
No, other forms include regulations, policies, and institutional guidelines.
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Feb 15, 2024
How do cultures influence informal social control?
Different cultures have varying norms and expectations that dictate informal social control.
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Feb 15, 2024
What is the main purpose of formal social control?
To enforce laws and maintain public order through official institutions.
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Feb 15, 2024
Can informal social control be as effective as formal social control?
Yes, in many cases, it can be effective in regulating behavior within communities.
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Feb 15, 2024
Is imprisonment a form of formal social control?
Yes, it's a legal sanction used for serious violations.
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Feb 15, 2024
Can formal social control change over time?
Yes, as laws and societal values evolve, so does formal social control.
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Feb 15, 2024
Can informal social control lead to negative consequences?
Yes, if it enforces harmful norms or leads to exclusion or bullying.
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Feb 15, 2024
Is formal social control consistent across different countries?
No, it varies based on the legal system and cultural context of each country.
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Feb 15, 2024
How do families exert informal social control?
Through expectations, teachings, and reactions to behavior.
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Feb 15, 2024
Is a curfew an example of formal social control?
Yes, it's a regulation imposed by authorities for public order.
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Is shaming an example of informal social control?
Yes, shaming is a common form of informal social control.
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How does formal social control affect individual freedom?
It may restrict certain freedoms to ensure overall societal order and safety.
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Do educational institutions use formal social control?
Yes, through rules and disciplinary actions, they exert formal social control.
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Feb 15, 2024
Can informal social control vary within the same culture?
Yes, it can differ based on subcultures, regions, or communities.
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Feb 15, 2024
Are traffic laws an example of formal social control?
Yes, they are legal regulations to manage road safety and order.
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Feb 15, 2024
Are workplace ethics a form of informal social control?
Yes, they are part of the unwritten norms guiding behavior in professional settings.
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How do peer groups exert informal social control?
Through group norms, expectations, and pressures to conform.
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Feb 15, 2024
Can formal social control prevent all forms of deviance?
Not entirely, as it cannot address every individual motivation or societal issue.
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Can informal social control enforce positive behaviors?
Yes, it often promotes positive social behaviors like altruism and cooperation.
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What role does religion play in informal social control?
Religion often sets moral standards and expected behaviors for its adherents.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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