SOC 2700 Chapter Notes - Chapter 11: Social Control Theory, Peer Pressure, Social Control

• School: University of Guelph
• Department: Sociology
• Course: SOC 2700
• Professor: Stephanie Howells

Document Summary

Social control theories focus on explaining why people obey rules, as deviance is expected. Atribute crime and delinquency to the usual sociological variables (family, educaion, peer groups) Idea that we all have potenial for deviance, which is displayed as a result of the weakening of social controls. The most important way control is exerted is through the process of socializaion (we teach the right way to do things) 1: external controls: outside of the individual (ex. school) Internal controls: appear intrinsic to the individual (ex. personality, self-control) Explains delinquency as the interplay between two forms of controls: internal (inner) and external (outer) Inner containment (personality) includes self-control, self-concept, responsibility, ego strength, etc: perceived as more important. Outer containment (social environment) includes family, peers, school, proper discipline, involvement in social aciviies, legiimate needs saisfacion. Inner pushes: aggression, impulsivity, mental illness, greed, deiance against authority. Outer pushes: social/economic inequaliies, impoverishment, abuse, joblessness, peer pressure.