MEANING OF SOCIAL CONTROL

 For the smooth functioning of any society , it is essential that its members conduct themselves in a manner that is acceptable to other members of that society . Our behaviour in every day life is quite orderly and disciplined . We normally do not wish to antagonise ( oppose ) people we interact with , we do try to stick to various rules and to observe discipline in schools etc. Those who do not obey these norms of society are criticized or looked down upon .

 Social control is a general method of regulating the behaviour of individuals in a society through accepted social norms . It is a way to channelize the behaviour of individuals in society so that they conform to the accepted code of conduct . Social control is defined as " the way in which the entire social order coheres and maintains itself , operates as a whole , as a changing equilibrium . "

 This SOCIAL CONTROL refers to the way society controls our behaviour , either through norms and practices or through the state and its compelling force . The regulation of behaviour in society , whether of individuals or of groups is undertaken in two ways -

 ( a ) by adhering to established norms and values of society ; and

 ( b ) by the use of force .

 The term " social control " is generally used by sociologists to refer to this first kind of regulation .