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GCSE Sociology · key term
The regulation of behaviour through explicit rules or laws enforced by organisations with official authority.
Used by AQA and Eduqas
Paper 2
Control exercised through explicit rules and official procedures by people or institutions with authority to enforce them.
Revise: Social Control MethodsFormal social control operates through explicit rules and official procedures. The state’s criminal justice system is a central example. Police enforce laws and investigate suspected offences; courts decide cases and can impose penalties; prisons carry out custodial sentences.
Component 1, Component 2
When evaluating formal social control, distinguish its aim of protecting society from arguments about whether its powers are applied fairly.
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The regulation of behaviour through official authority, written rules or laws, and official sanctions.
Formal social control regulates behaviour through official authority, written rules or laws, and official sanctions. It does not depend only on whether other people approve: an authorised institution can enforce a rule.
Control through explicit rules or laws enforced by official organisations, using authorised sanctions.
The enforcement of explicit rules and laws by agencies with official authority, including the police and courts.
