Informal social control refers to reactions of individuals and groups that bring about conformity to norms and laws. Unlike formal control, which relies on written rules and designated authorities (like police or courts), informal control is exercised through everyday social interactions.
Think of it as unwritten pressure to behave in a way that is acceptable to your peers, family, and community.
Key Mechanisms
Informal social control operates through sanctions, which can be either positive (rewards) or negative (punishments):
-
Shame and Ridicule: A sarcastic comment or a judgmental look when someone violates a social norm (e.g., talking loudly in a library).
-
Gossip: Threat of having one’s reputation damaged within a social circle acts as a powerful deterrent against deviant behavior.
-
Praise and Inclusion: Being invited to social gatherings or receiving a compliment for being helpful reinforces prosocial behavior.
-
Ostracism: Most severe informal sanction, where an individual is socially excluded or canceled by their group.
Comparison: Informal vs. Formal Control
| Feature | Informal Social Control | Formal Social Control |
| Source | Peers, family, neighbors, coworkers. | Government, police, legal system, employers. |
| Tools | Smiles, frowns, gossip, exclusion. | Fines, imprisonment, demotions, laws. |
| Documentation | Unwritten, internalized. | Written statutes and contracts. |
| Environment | Daily life and social settings. | Institutional and legal settings. |
Importance
Sociologists, such as Travis Hirschi, argue that informal social control is actually more effective at preventing crime than formal laws. This is because:
-
Attachment: People don’t want to disappoint those they care about.
-
Commitment: People fear losing their reputation or stake in community.
-
Involvement: Being busy with legitimate social activities leaves less time for deviance.
In small communities, informal control is often primary way order is maintained. In large, anonymous cities, informal control weakens, which is why formal systems (like professional security and police) usually become more prominent.