Informal social control refers to the unofficial ways society regulates behavior through norms, customs, and social pressure rather than laws or formal sanctions.
Understanding Informal Social Control
Informal social control plays a crucial role in maintaining order within society. Unlike formal social control, which relies on laws, police, and courts, informal social control is exercised through everyday interactions, cultural expectations, and community influence. It operates subtly, shaping people’s behavior through approval, disapproval, praise, gossip, or even social exclusion.
The Role of Norms and Values
At the core of informal social control are societal norms—unwritten rules about how people should behave. These norms reflect a society’s values and expectations. People learn them from family, friends, teachers, religious institutions, and media. When individuals deviate from these norms, others may respond with informal sanctions such as ridicule, embarrassment, or peer pressure to encourage conformity.
For example, if someone talks loudly during a church service, they might receive disapproving glances or whispers from others. These subtle cues remind individuals of acceptable behavior without the need for official intervention.
Mechanisms of Informal Social Control
Informal social control works through various mechanisms that influence individuals’ actions. These mechanisms include:
1. Socialization
Socialization is the process through which individuals learn societal norms and values. From childhood, people absorb expectations about appropriate behavior from their families, schools, and communities. Parents, for instance, teach children manners, honesty, and respect, reinforcing positive behavior with praise and discouraging negative behavior with disappointment or mild punishment.
2. Peer Pressure
Peer pressure is a powerful force in shaping behavior, especially among adolescents and young adults. Friends and social groups often encourage conformity to group norms, whether positive (such as studying hard) or negative (such as engaging in risky behavior). People who resist peer expectations may face social exclusion, which can be a strong motivator to comply.
3. Gossip and Reputation
Communities often regulate behavior through gossip and concern for reputation. When someone acts against societal expectations, others may talk about them, leading to embarrassment or damage to their social standing. Fear of gossip can prevent people from engaging in deviant behavior.
4. Ridicule and Shame
Public shame is another tool of informal social control. For example, a person who cheats in a relationship may face disapproval from friends and family, making them feel guilty or embarrassed. This social response discourages similar behavior in the future.
5. Religious and Cultural Influence
Religion and culture strongly shape informal social control by setting moral guidelines for behavior. Religious teachings often promote honesty, kindness, and respect, with communities enforcing these values through praise or criticism. In some cultures, elders or community leaders serve as moral authorities, guiding behavior through informal means.
6. Workplace and Institutional Expectations
Even in professional settings, informal social control exists. Co-workers might discourage unethical behavior by refusing to collaborate with dishonest colleagues. Likewise, a teacher may enforce discipline in a classroom through non-verbal cues like a stern look or a disappointed tone.
Informal Social Control vs. Formal Social Control
While informal social control relies on social influence and personal relationships, formal social control involves official institutions such as the police, courts, and legal systems. Some key differences include:
| Feature | Informal Social Control | Formal Social Control |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | Families, peers, communities | Government, law enforcement, legal system |
| Enforcement | Social pressure, norms, customs | Laws, rules, regulations, punishments |
| Consequences | Embarrassment, exclusion, disapproval | Arrests, fines, imprisonment |
| Flexibility | Adaptable to different situations | Structured and standardized |
Despite these differences, both types of control work together. When informal control fails to prevent deviant behavior, formal control may intervene. For example, if social pressure does not stop underage drinking at a party, police may step in and issue citations.
Theories Related to Informal Social Control
Criminologists have developed several theories to explain the role of informal social control in preventing crime and deviance.
1. Social Control Theory (Travis Hirschi, 1969)
Travis Hirschi’s Social Control Theory suggests that strong social bonds prevent individuals from engaging in criminal behavior. According to this theory, people who have close relationships with family, friends, and their community are more likely to follow societal norms because they fear losing these connections. When informal social control weakens—such as in broken families or disconnected communities—people may be more likely to engage in crime.
2. Differential Association Theory (Edwin Sutherland, 1939)
Edwin Sutherland’s Differential Association Theory argues that people learn criminal behavior through social interactions. If someone is surrounded by peers who approve of deviant actions, they are more likely to adopt those behaviors. Informal social control works by surrounding individuals with positive influences that discourage criminal activities.
3. Labeling Theory (Howard Becker, 1963)
Howard Becker’s Labeling Theory explains how informal social control can sometimes have negative consequences. When society labels someone as a “troublemaker” or “delinquent,” they may internalize that label and continue engaging in deviant behavior. This shows that while informal social control is generally beneficial, it can also contribute to long-term stigmatization.
The Impact of Weak Informal Control
When informal social control weakens, deviant behavior may increase. This often happens in communities with high crime rates, social disorganization, or weak family structures. Some key factors that contribute to the decline of informal social control include:
- Urbanization – In large, anonymous cities, people may feel less connected to their neighbors, reducing social influence.
- Technology and Social Media – Online interactions sometimes replace face-to-face relationships, weakening traditional forms of informal control.
- Family Disintegration – Divorce, absentee parents, or family conflict can reduce the influence of parental socialization.
- Cultural Shifts – Changing societal values may alter what is considered acceptable behavior, impacting informal control mechanisms.
Strengthening Informal Social Control
Strengthening informal social control can help prevent deviance and promote social order. Some strategies include:
- Community Engagement – Encouraging neighbor relationships, local organizations, and mentorship programs to build strong social bonds.
- Parental Involvement – Promoting active parenting to instill positive values in children.
- Educational Programs – Schools can teach social responsibility and the importance of moral behavior.
- Media Influence – Encouraging responsible media portrayals that reinforce positive norms and values.
Conclusion
Informal social control is a vital force in maintaining societal order without relying on laws or formal sanctions. It shapes behavior through socialization, peer pressure, reputation, and cultural expectations. Criminological theories highlight its importance in preventing crime and maintaining social bonds. However, when informal social control weakens, formal mechanisms often take over. Strengthening informal control through family, community, and education can help build a more cohesive and law-abiding society.
[ Glossary ]
Last Modified: 03/01/2025