Which among the following is an informal method of social control:
a) Customs
b) Coercion
c) Law
d) Education
The correct answer and explanation is :
Correct Answer: a) Customs
Explanation:
Social control refers to the mechanisms, strategies, and institutions that societies use to regulate individual behavior, maintain order, and promote conformity to established norms. These mechanisms can be broadly categorized into formal and informal methods.
Customs are considered an informal method of social control. They are traditional practices or usages that are characteristic of a particular society or community and are passed down from generation to generation. Customs guide people on acceptable and unacceptable behavior in everyday life, even though they are not written into law. They are enforced through social pressures such as approval, disapproval, ridicule, praise, or ostracism.
For example, in many cultures, greeting elders with respect is a custom. While there’s no legal obligation to do so, failure to follow this norm may result in social disapproval or loss of reputation. Customs are powerful because they are deeply rooted in cultural and social beliefs, and individuals internalize them from a young age through socialization within the family, peer groups, and community.
In contrast:
- Coercion refers to the use of force or threats to make someone comply and is usually a formal and direct method of control.
- Law is a formal and codified method of social control enforced by governmental institutions like police and courts.
- Education, while sometimes considered both formal and informal depending on the context, is primarily a formal institution when discussing social control. It uses structured curricula and institutions to instill societal values and norms.
Thus, among the options provided, customs best represent an informal method of social control, operating subtly through societal expectations and cultural traditions rather than legal enforcement.