Social Control
(SOC 109 F24 - Lecture 3, p.9)
All those mechanisms and resources by which members of society attempt to assure the norm-conforming behaviour of others.
- "members of society"
- As we act we contribute to these norms and what's approved by society, or not.
- Like wearing all blue in bloods territory.
- "norm-conforming behaviour"
- Lets us know what to do in a social situation.
- Example:
- Uber in early days vs now.
- Used to be more of a informal thing, you understand that it's a side hustle, different social expectation.
- Now it's just a taxi. Different compared to early days.
- "of others" and ourselves
- We are part of society as well. Social control isn't unto others. It's upon ourselves as well.
- "There is no such thing as society" - Margaret Thatcher.
- Example:
- Formal - Laws
- Informal - Side eye
- Enforces social control because someone is not acting in a way that's socially acceptable.
- Shaming
- Options: Resist, or give in.
- Informal - Airpods in
- Social signal, gives signs on how you want the situation to go.