What is social control? Do you think the modes of social control in different spheres of society are different? Discuss.

Social control refers to the various means used by a society to control its unruly or undisciplined members.

Social control can be exercised by any of the two methods -

• Using force to regulate the behaviour of individual and groups and

• Enforcing values and patterns for maintaining order in the society

Social control is very necessary and important to maintain stability in the society. Social control can also be exercised in form of reward and punishment, it means rewarding for doing good and punishing for offence.

The mode of social control is different in different spheres of society because every group has its own norms and values and they are different in structure and functions.