Social control

Definition

Social control refers to the various methods and mechanisms used by societies to regulate individual behavior and maintain conformity to established norms and values. This concept plays a significant role in shaping how groups respond to revivalism and religious awakenings, as these movements often challenge existing social structures and call for change, prompting the use of social control to preserve traditional beliefs and practices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Revivalism often prompts communities to reinforce social control measures in response to perceived threats against established norms and values.
2. Religious awakenings can lead to a re-evaluation of social control practices, as new beliefs and movements may challenge the status quo.
3. Social control can manifest through formal means, such as laws and regulations, as well as informal means like social pressure and community expectations.
4. In periods of religious revivalism, leaders may employ social control strategies to mobilize followers and maintain unity within the movement.
5. The dynamics of social control can vary significantly depending on the cultural context and the specific religious beliefs being revived.

Review Questions

• How do mechanisms of social control play a role in the dynamics of revivalism?
  • Mechanisms of social control are crucial in shaping the dynamics of revivalism, as they help maintain conformity to traditional beliefs while addressing challenges posed by new movements. When revivalist movements emerge, existing groups may feel threatened, prompting them to strengthen social control measures to ensure adherence to their established norms. This can result in increased social pressure on individuals to align with traditional practices or face sanctions, creating tension between innovation and conformity within the community.
• Evaluate the impact of social control on individuals during religious awakenings.
  • During religious awakenings, social control can significantly impact individuals' experiences by either reinforcing their commitment to new beliefs or compelling them to resist change. Individuals drawn to revivalist movements may face both support and opposition from their communities. Social control measures might manifest through peer pressure, community ostracism, or formal sanctions against those who stray from established norms. This dual effect can lead to intense internal conflict for individuals navigating between personal beliefs and community expectations.
• Synthesize the relationship between social control and community cohesion in the context of revivalist movements.
  • The relationship between social control and community cohesion is particularly significant during revivalist movements, as these two elements often influence each other. Social control serves to reinforce cohesion by creating shared expectations and values that unify members around common goals. However, as revivalist movements introduce new ideas that may challenge traditional norms, there can be friction between promoting unity through social control and allowing for diverse interpretations of faith. Balancing these forces is essential for communities striving for both cohesion and adaptability amidst change.

Related terms

Norms: Societal expectations or rules that dictate appropriate behavior within a given context, guiding individuals on how to act in social situations.

Deviance: Behavior that violates societal norms, often leading to social sanctions or forms of social control aimed at correcting or punishing the deviant behavior.

Cohesion: The bonds that unite members of a group, often strengthened through shared beliefs, values, and practices, which are reinforced by mechanisms of social control.