Question

Define deviance and explain three methods of social control

Answer 1

Note: This response is in UK English, please paste the response to MS Word and you should be able to spot discrepancies easily. You may elaborate the answer based on personal views or your classwork if necessary. Also, I could only find 2 methods mentioned everywhere. Perhaps the third method is in your textbook or your teacher’s class powerpoint.

(Answer) Social Control is basically methods through which disregard of social norms is controlled. These methods serve as watchdogs and regulators of anti-social behaviour.

The three methods through which this control is exercised are:

Formal Control – Formal control is established through institutions like prisons, police force, the army and others. It is a way in which the legislative body ensures that society is controlled in a way that promotes safety and security to its citizens.

Informal Control – Informal control is established through individuals who calibrate our behaviour through advice, admonition, encouragement and other such social cues. These are generally our parents, teachers, peers and other influencers.

Deviances – Merton’s theory of deviance is a concept that describes when social norms conflict each other or don’t exist at all. For instance, when society expects young individuals to get a college degree, get a brilliant job and be successful but doesn’t exactly make it any easier or provide tools necessary to achieve it. This is a classic example of the anomie theory of deviance.

Merton further suggested five forms of adaption. They are conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism, and rebellion. These 5 forms are placed strategically in a matrix. This matrix helps determine an individual’s attitude based on their acceptance or rejection of cultural goals and institutionalised means.