Question

Consider the following list of the different forces that shape our behaviour and lead up to respect rules and the law: values, community norms, fear of social disapproval, fear of legal consequences, peer expectations, sense of belonging and inclusion, desire not to be embarrassed, education, culture, laws, and socioeconomic needs. Which of these forces are the most important in shaping our behaviour? Which of these forces are used by the criminal justice system to shape our behaviour? What do you think are the implications of this?

Answer 1

One of the most important things about people is that they are the products of their environment such as, parenting, family, education, employment, friends, culture, religion, etc. This would mean that they would like to follow the norms of the society and laws of the land not only to belong to the group or the environment they are in but also to avoid punishments if they deviate from them. Most of the time it’s the fear of the punishments and rejection that make people follow the norms and laws and in the absence of laws and norms the world would become a chaotic place to live. Although culture shapes most part of our behaviours and values, it’s the laws that makes one a better person in the society. Criminal justice system uses social disapproval and legal consequences in terms of shaping the behaviours thus, keeping people tied to the society and the laws.

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