What is Social Control in Psychology?

Social control plays a significant role in psychology as it involves the regulation, influence, and constraint of behavior through social interactions within a social network. It encompasses the mechanisms and processes through which society maintains order and conformity to societal norms. Understanding social control is crucial for comprehending how individuals’ behavior is shaped and regulated within a social context.

Definition

Social control can be defined as the set of processes and mechanisms that regulate and influence behavior through social interactions within a social network. It encompasses various societal forces, including norms, values, laws, institutions, and social relationships, that encourage individuals to conform to expected behavioral standards and discourage deviant or criminal behavior.

Dual Effects of Social Control

Positive Effects

Social control can have positive effects on individuals and society. It promotes adherence to societal norms, values, and laws, which are essential for maintaining social order and harmony. Through social control, individuals learn and internalize prosocial behaviors, leading to better health practices, responsible citizenship, and constructive engagement in social activities. Positive social control can foster a sense of belonging, social support, and cooperation among individuals, contributing to the overall well-being of both individuals and communities.

Negative Effects

However, social control can also have negative effects, particularly when it becomes overly restrictive or oppressive. Excessive social control may lead to psychological distress, feelings of alienation, and a limitation of individual freedoms. When social control is coercive or based on external pressure rather than internalized values, it can create a sense of surveillance and inhibit personal autonomy. It is important to strike a balance between social control and individual autonomy to ensure the well-being and mental health of individuals.

Social Control Theory

The Social Control Theory, developed by Travis Hirschi, offers insights into the mechanisms and processes that influence individuals’ behavior within a society. The theory posits that an individual’s behavior is bonded by society, and the extent to which they feel a bond or commitment to society determines their conformity to societal norms and deviance from those norms.

The theory suggests that individuals are bonded to society through various social networks and institutions, such as family, school, work, religion, and the legal system. These social bonds exert control over individuals’ behavior and discourage them from engaging in criminal activities. The stronger the bonds and commitments to these social institutions, the less likely individuals are to engage in deviant behavior.

The Social Control Theory explains why individuals choose either to engage or not engage in criminal activities. It emphasizes four key elements that influence social control:

Attachment

Attachment refers to the emotional bond and affection individuals have towards prosocial others and institutions. It acts as a deterrent to committing crimes because individuals fear the disapproval and negative consequences of their actions from those they care about. Attachment serves as a mechanism that internalizes societal values and norms, reducing the likelihood of engaging in delinquent behavior.

Commitment

Commitment involves the investment of time and energy into achieving goals and accomplishments. When individuals have a lot to lose, such as their achievements, reputation, or future prospects, they are less likely to commit crimes. The costs associated with criminal behavior outweigh the potential benefits. Individuals who have made substantial investments in their education, career, or personal relationships are more motivated to conform to societal norms to protect their investments.

Involvement

Involvement refers to how individuals spend their time and the opportunity costs associated with delinquent acts. When individuals are heavily involved in conventional activities such as education, sports, hobbies, or community engagement, they have less time and energy to engage in criminal behavior. Involvement in these activities also exposes individuals to prosocial networks and influences, further discouraging criminal activity.

Beliefs

Beliefs refer to the degree to which individuals adhere to societal values and norms. Strong adherence to social norms reduces the likelihood of engaging in criminal or deviant behavior. Individuals who internalize societal rules and view them as important and necessary are more likely to conform to those rules. Conversely, individuals who reject or do not value societal rules are more prone to engage in activities that go against social norms.

Examples of Social Control Theory

The Social Control Theory can be applied to various contexts to understand and explain human behavior:

• Adolescents and minor crimes: The theory can explain delinquent behaviors such as alcohol and drug use among adolescents. The strength of their social bonds and commitments, such as attachment to family, involvement in school activities, or adherence to prosocial beliefs, can influence their likelihood of engaging in such behaviors.
• Occupational misconduct: Understandingwhy individuals engage in misconduct in their occupations can be explained through the Social Control Theory. The theory suggests that individuals with weak social bonds to their workplace, low commitment to professional goals, limited involvement in work-related activities, or weak adherence to ethical norms are more susceptible to engaging in occupational misconduct.
• Cheating: The Social Control Theory can partially explain academic cheating among students. Students who have weak attachments to their educational institutions, low commitment to academic goals, limited involvement in extracurricular activities, or weak adherence to academic integrity are more likely to engage in cheating behaviors.

Factors Influencing Social Control

• Family: The family plays a crucial role in teaching children about right and wrong, influencing their beliefs, and establishing bonds that discourage criminal behavior. Strong family attachments, positive parenting practices, and clear communication of values and expectations contribute to effective social control within the family context.
• Community: The community and neighborhood can act as a prosocial attachment, discouraging individuals from engaging in criminal acts. A supportive community that provides opportunities for involvement, positive role models, and a sense of belonging can enhance social control and reduce the likelihood of deviant behavior.

Conclusion

Social control plays a vital role in psychology as it regulates, influences, and constrains behavior through social interactions. The Social Control Theory, developed by Travis Hirschi, provides insights into how individuals’ behavior is influenced by their bonds and commitments to society. Understanding social control is essential for comprehending human behavior, adherence to societal norms, and the prevention of deviant or criminal activities. By examining the elements of social control and the factors that influence it, researchers and practitioners can develop strategies to enhance positive social control and minimize its negative consequences.

References

1. Social control in personal relationships: impact on health behaviors and psychological distress. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9925047/
2. Social Control Theory of Crime. Retrieved from https://www.simplypsychology.org/social-control-theory.html
3. Social control | Psychology Wiki | Fandom. Retrieved from https://psychology.fandom.com/wiki/Social_control

FAQs

What is social control in psychology?

Social control in psychology refers to the regulation, influence, and constraint of behavior through social interactions within a social network. It involves the mechanisms and processes through which society maintains order, conformity to societal norms, and discourages deviant or criminal behavior.

What are the positive effects of social control?

Social control can have positive effects on individuals and society. It promotes adherence to societal norms, values, and laws, leading to better health practices, responsible citizenship, and constructive engagement in social activities. Positive social control fosters a sense of belonging, social support, and cooperation among individuals, contributing to overall well-being.

What are the negative effects of social control?

Social control, when overly restrictive or oppressive, can have negative effects. Excessive social control may lead to psychological distress, feelings of alienation, and a limitation of individual freedoms. Coercive social control can create a sense of surveillance and inhibit personal autonomy. It is important to strike a balance between social control and individual autonomy for the well-being and mental health of individuals.

What is the Social Control Theory?

The Social Control Theory, developed by Travis Hirschi, is a psychological theory that explains how an individual’s behavior is influenced by their bond or commitment to society. It suggests that individuals conform to societal norms and avoid deviant behavior when they have strong social bonds, commitments to social institutions, involvement in conventional activities, and adhere to societal values and norms.

How does attachment contribute to social control?

Attachment is one of the key elements of social control. It refers to the emotional bond and affection individuals have towards prosocial others and institutions. Attachment acts as a deterrent to committing crimes because individuals fear the disapproval and negative consequences of their actions from those they care about. Attachment helps internalize societal values and norms, reducing the likelihood of engaging in delinquent behavior.

How does commitment reduce the likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior?

Commitment is another important element of social control. It involves the investment of time and energy into achieving goals and accomplishments. When individuals have a lot to lose, such as their achievements, reputation, or future prospects, they are less likely to commit crimes. The costs associated with criminal behavior outweigh the potential benefits. Strong commitments to education, career, or personal relationships motivate individuals to conform to societal norms to protect their investments.

How does involvement in conventional activities reduce criminal behavior?

Involvement is a crucial element of social control. It refers to how individuals spend their time and the opportunity costs associated with delinquent acts. When individuals are heavily involved in conventional activities such as education, sports, hobbies, or community engagement, they have less time and energy to engage in criminal behavior. Involvement in these activities also exposes individuals to prosocial networks and influences, further discouraging criminal activity.

How do beliefs influence social control?

Beliefs play a significant role in social control. They refer to the degree to which individuals adhere to societal values and norms. Strong adherence to social norms reduces the likelihood of engaging in criminal or deviant behavior. Individuals who internalize societal rules and view them as important and necessary are more likely to conform to those rules. Conversely, individuals who reject or do not value societal rules are more prone to engaging in activities that go against social norms.