According To Chriss 2022, What Is Meant By The Term I 002286

According To Chriss 2022 What Is Meant By The Term Informal Soc

According to Chriss (2022), the term "informal social control" refers to the methods and mechanisms by which social order is maintained through unformalized and non-institutional means. Unlike formal social control, which involves official sanctions and laws, informal social control relies on social norms, customs, and peer influence to regulate behavior and ensure conformity within a society. These mechanisms are generally subtle, often enacted through everyday interactions, such as praise, shame, or social approval. The primary aim is to reinforce societal expectations without the need for legal enforcement, fostering social cohesion and preventing deviance through community-based oversight.

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In her 2022 work, Chriss elaborates on the concept of informal social control as an essential component of social regulation that operates through unstructured and unofficial channels (Chriss, 2022, p. 45). This form of control is fundamental in shaping individual conduct by leveraging social norms and cultural expectations rather than state-enforced laws. For example, peer pressure, familial expectations, and community customs serve as powerful tools for maintaining social order. These mechanisms are less obvious but highly effective in enforcing conformity, especially in everyday situations where formal sanctions are less feasible or desirable.

The importance of informal social control lies in its ability to foster social cohesion and facilitate adaptive social behavior. It relies heavily on socialization processes, where individuals learn behavioral expectations through interactions with family, peers, and community members. Unlike formal social control, which is often punitive, informal mechanisms tend to promote internalization of norms, making individuals more likely to regulate their own behaviors in accordance with societal standards (Chriss, 2022, p. 47).

Furthermore, various agents of socialization, such as families, religious institutions, and peer groups, play pivotal roles in reinforcing informal social control. Families, as primary agents, instill moral values and social norms from an early age, which serve as internal controls guiding behavior throughout life. Religious organizations reinforce moral codes and augment social norms through teachings and community involvement, further embedding societal expectations into individual consciousness (Chriss, 2022, p. 50).

Dr. Erving Goffman’s "dramaturgical theory" offers a perspective on how individuals manage their public personas and social interactions, directly relating to informal social control. Goffman (1959) posits that social life is akin to a theatrical performance where individuals act out roles based on the setting and audience. This "performance" involves managing impressions to conform to societal expectations, thereby practicing informal social control through self-monitoring and social sanctions such as praise or embarrassment. Such dramaturgical behavior demonstrates how individuals internalize social norms and regulate their conduct to maintain social order (Goffman, 1959).

Travis Hirschi’s theory of social bonds emphasizes that strong emotional and social ties to society reduce the likelihood of deviance (Hirschi, 1969). He identified four elements of social bonds: attachment, commitment, involvement, and beliefs. Attachment refers to emotional closeness with others, such as family and friends; commitment pertains to an individual’s investment in conventional activities; involvement indicates participation in socially approved activities; and beliefs encompass acceptance of societal norms and values. These bonds serve as informal social controls by fostering a sense of responsibility and connection, discouraging deviant behavior through a desire to uphold societal standards (Hirschi, 1969).

Gottfredson and Hirschi (1990) explore the concept of low self-control and its relation to criminal and delinquent behavior. Individuals with low self-control tend to exhibit impulsivity, a preference for simple tasks, a lack of perseverance, and insensitivity to the long-term consequences of their actions. Such traits make them more susceptible to engaging in criminal acts and deviance, as they seek immediate gratification without regard for social or legal sanctions (Gottfredson & Hirschi, 1990, p. 89). Self-control, therefore, acts as an internalized mechanism for regulating conduct, with higher levels reducing the likelihood of antisocial acts and promoting conformity.

In Elijah Anderson’s discussion of the "code of the street," an oppositional culture within urban communities, certain informal rules and norms serve as mechanisms of social control. The "street code" emphasizes respect, toughness, and retaliation, often governing interactions in environments where formal law enforcement may be absent or distrusted. This code dictates how individuals respond to perceived slights or threats, thus maintaining order through a system of informal, peer-enforced rules. While it functions as a form of social regulation by deterring violence via established norms, it can also perpetuate cycles of conflict and violence, acting as an unofficial form of street justice that sustains community cohesion among peers (Anderson, 1999).

Lippman (2024) distinguishes between "grievance" and "dispute" within the context of legal consciousness. A grievance is generally an individual or group’s perceived unfairness or injustice that prompts feelings of resentment or injustice, often without immediate legal action. Conversely, a dispute involves a more formalized conflict that is recognized as contestable and may be subject to legal resolution. The main difference lies in the formal recognition and potential for legal intervention, with grievances often remaining informal or unresolved, whereas disputes tend to involve specific claims to legal authority and remedies (Lippman, 2024, pp. 102-104).

Regarding American legal consciousness, key characteristics include a perception of the law as serving justice and fairness, a belief in the legitimacy of legal institutions, and an expectation that the law will be applied fairly and consistently. Americans also tend to see the legal system as a means of resolving conflicts and protecting individual rights. However, legal consciousness varies across different social groups, influenced by race, class, and personal experiences with justice, which can shape attitudes toward lawfulness and compliance (Lippman, 2024).

References

1. Anderson, E. (1999). Code of the street: Decency, violence, and the moral life of the inner city. W.W. Norton & Company.
2. Goffman, E. (1959). The presentation of self in everyday life. Doubleday.
3. Gottfredson, M. R., & Hirschi, T. (1990). A general theory of crime. Stanford University Press.
4. Hirschi, T. (1969). Causes of delinquency. University of California Press.
5. Lippman, L. (2024). Legal consciousness and social behavior. Oxford University Press.
6. Chriss, J. J. (2022). Crime in the community: Perspectives and realities. Routledge.