Social Control - GCSE Sociology Definition

Social control refers to the ways in which society tries to influence or regulate people's behaviour to ensure everyone follows the rules and norms. This can be done through formal methods, like laws and school rules that are clearly written down, or informal methods, like friends or family members letting you know what's acceptable by their reactions and expectations. Social control helps maintain order and makes sure that society runs smoothly by encouraging members to act in ways that are considered right or acceptable. In GCSE Sociology, understanding social control is important to see how different societies manage people's actions and guide them towards being good citizens.