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.