Reference no: EM131398348

Everyone has likely been exposed to both informal and formal social control in their lives. In your opinion, what are some of the more effective means of informal social control? In your opinion, what some of the more effective means of formal social control? Discuss why you think these two ways a particularly effective.

Next, once you have submitted your answer, comment on two other students' responses.

Article 1 - Informal

The informal social control that I believe is very effective is religion. Most religions gives a person standards and acceptable behaviors that are tolerated and also frowned upon. For example, religion can teach a person that having sex before marriage is wrong, even though this would not be considered a crime. Another religious teaching that is not a crime is consumption of alcohol. A lot of religious teaches that your body is a temple and should not be polluted with alcohol. The reason the informal control of religion is very powerful is that religion is usually passed down from generation to generation. Everyone always want to make their family and close friends happy and be accepted by them, creates a huge pressure to obey these rules to abide by for specific religions.

-Formal

A formal control that is used by society is there will be consequences for intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly killing another living breathing human being. This control is very effective because a person knows there will be a severe consequence is this formal control is not followed. Society agrees that this social control is important in order to maintain our society. If everyone was able to violate this formal control, our society would be in chaos and will not be productive. The fact the every person know that if this is violated then severe discomfort or possible even harm to themselves will come if this rule is not obeyed.

Article 2

There are many comparisons to be made about both informal and formal social control. There are means of doing and satisfying both as well. Formal social control is achieved through law, medicine, behavioral science and sometimes education. Informal Social Control is about self-control. It is internalized by norms, beliefs, morals, and self-concept. Many negative reinforcements include gossip, disapproving glances, and ridicule. Positive reinforcements include praise, positive storytelling, smiles, and approving glances. Formal Social Control is more based on inverse relationship between law and informal social control. There are many effective means of social control for both as stated above and I think formal social control is more effective.