SOCIOLOGY: HISTORY, FUNDAMENTALS, INSTITUTIONALIZATION in RUSSIA

Chapter 4
TYPES AND FORMS OF CONNECTIONS IN THE SOCIAL SYSTEM

4.2. Social control

Social control, what is it? How does social control relate to social connection? In order to understand this, let's ask ourselves a number of questions. Why do acquaintances bow and smile at each other when they meet, and send greeting cards for the holidays? Why do parents send their children over a certain age to school, but people don't go to work barefoot? A number of similar questions can be continued further. All of them can be formulated as follows. Why do people perform their functions in the same way every day, and some functions even pass from generation to generation?

Thanks to this repeatability, continuity and stability of development is ensured. public life. It makes it possible to foresee people's reactions to your behavior in advance, this contributes to the mutual adaptation of people to each other, since everyone already knows what they can expect from the other. For example, a driver sitting behind the wheel of a car knows that oncoming cars will keep to the right, and if someone drives towards him and crashes into his car, then he can be punished for this.

Each group develops a number of methods of beliefs, prescriptions and prohibitions, a system of coercion and pressure (even physical), a system of expression that allows the behavior of individuals and groups to be brought into line with accepted patterns of activity. This system is called the social control system. Briefly it can be formulated as follows: social control is a mechanism of self-regulation in social systems ah, which is carried out thanks to the normative (legal, moral, etc.) regulation of individual behavior.

In this regard, social control also performs corresponding functions; with its help, social control is created. necessary conditions for the sustainability of the social system, it contributes to the preservation of social stability, and also, at the same time, positive changes in the social system. Therefore, social control requires greater flexibility and the ability to correctly assess various deviations from social norms of activity that occur in society in order to appropriately punish deviations that are harmful to society, but are necessary for it. further development- encourage.

The implementation of social control begins in the process of socialization, at this time the individual begins to assimilate social norms and values ​​corresponding to the level of development of society, he develops self-control, and he accepts various social roles that impose on him the need to fulfill role requirements and expectations.

The main elements of the social control system: habit, custom and system of sanctions.

Habit- this is a stable way of behavior in certain situations, in some cases taking on the character of a need for the individual, which does not meet with a negative reaction from the group.

Each individual may have his own habits, for example, getting up early, doing exercises in the morning, wearing a certain style of clothing, etc. There are habits that are generally accepted by the entire group. Habits can develop spontaneously and be the product of purposeful upbringing. Over time, many habits develop into stable character traits of an individual and are carried out automatically. Also, habits arise as a result of the acquisition of skills and are established by traditions. Some habits are nothing more than remnants of old rituals and celebrations.

Usually breaking habits does not lead to negative sanctions. If the behavior of an individual corresponds to the habits accepted in the group, then it meets with recognition.

Custom is a stereotypical form of social regulation of behavior, adopted from the past, which meets certain moral assessments group and violation of which leads to negative sanctions. Custom is directly related to a certain coercion for the recognition of values ​​or coercion in a certain situation.

The concept of “custom” is often used as a synonym for the concepts of “tradition” and “ritual”. Custom means strict adherence to instructions that came from the past, and custom, unlike traditions, does not function in all areas of social life. The difference between custom and ritual lies not only in the fact that it symbolizes certain social relations, but also acts as a means used for the practical transformation and use of various objects.

For example, custom requires respecting respectable people, giving way to old and helpless people, treating people who occupy a high position in the group according to etiquette, etc. Thus, custom is a system of values ​​recognized by a group, certain situations in which these values ​​can occur, and standards of behavior consistent with these values. Disrespect for customs and their failure to comply undermine the internal cohesion of the group, since these values ​​have a certain importance for the group. The group, using coercion, encourages its individual members in certain situations to comply with standards of behavior that correspond to its values.

In pre-capitalist society, custom was the main social regulator of public life. But custom not only performs the functions of social control, maintains and strengthens intragroup cohesion, it helps to transmit social and

cultural experience of humanity from generation to generation, i.e. acts as a means of socialization of the younger generation.

Customs include religious ceremonies, and civil holidays, and industrial skills, etc. Currently, the role of the main social regulator in modern societies is no longer performed by customs, but by social institutions. Customs in their “pure” form are still preserved in the sphere of everyday life, morality, civil rituals and in conventional rules various kinds- conventions (for example, rules traffic). Depending on the system public relations, in which they are located, customs are divided into progressive and reactionary, outdated. With outdated customs in developed countries a struggle is being waged, new progressive civil rites and customs are being established.

Social sanctions. Sanctions are operational measures and means developed by a group necessary to control the behavior of its members, the purpose of which is to ensure internal unity and continuity of social life, stimulating desirable behavior and punishing undesirable behavior of group members.

Sanctions may be negative(punishment for unwanted actions) and positive(reward for desirable, socially approved actions). Social sanctions are an important element of social regulation. Their meaning lies in the fact that they act as an external stimulus inducing an individual to a certain behavior or a certain attitude towards the action being performed.

There are sanctions formal and informal. Formal sanctions - this is the reaction of formal institutions to some behavior or action in accordance with a pre-formulated (in law, charter, regulation) procedure.

Informal (diffuse) sanctions are already a spontaneous, emotionally charged reaction of informal institutions, public opinion, groups of friends, colleagues, neighbors, i.e. immediate environment on behavior deviating from social expectations.

Since an individual is at the same time a member of different groups and institutions, the same sanctions can strengthen or weaken the effect of others.

According to the method of internal pressure, the following sanctions are distinguished:

- legal sanctions - it is a system of punishments and rewards developed and provided for by law;

- ethical sanctions - it is a system of censures, reprimands and incentives based on moral principles;

- satirical sanctions - this is a system of all kinds of ridicule and mockery applied to those who do not behave as is customary;

- religious sanctions- these are punishments or rewards established by the system of dogmas and beliefs of a particular religion, depending on whether the individual’s behavior violates or complies with the prescriptions and prohibitions of this religion [see: 312. P. 115].

Moral sanctions are implemented directly by the social group itself through different shapes behavior and attitude towards the individual, and legal, political, economic sanctions- through the activities of various social institutions, even those specially created for this purpose (judicial investigation, etc.).

In civilized societies the most common the following types sanctions:

Negative informal sanctions- this may be an expression of displeasure, grief on the face, termination friendly relations, refusal to shake hands, various gossip, etc. The listed sanctions are important because they are followed by important social consequences (deprivation of respect, certain benefits, etc.).

Negative formal sanctions are all kinds of punishments that are provided for by law (fines, arrests, imprisonment, confiscation of property, death sentence, etc.). These punishments act as a threat, intimidation and, at the same time, warn what awaits the individual for committing antisocial acts.

Informal positive sanctions- this is the reaction of the immediate environment to positive behavior; which corresponds to the standards of behavior and value systems of the group, expressed in the form of encouragement and recognition (expression of respect, praise and flattering reviews

in oral conversation and in print, friendly gossip, etc.).

Formal positive sanctions are the reaction of formal institutions, carried out by people specially selected for this purpose, to positive behavior (public approval from the authorities, awarding orders and medals, monetary rewards, erection of monuments, etc.).

In the 20th century Researchers' interest in studying the unintended or hidden (latent) consequences of the application of social sanctions has increased. This is due to the fact that tougher punishment can lead to opposite results, for example, fear of risk can lead to a decrease in an individual’s activity and the spread of conformity, and fear of being punished for a relatively minor offense can push a person to commit a more serious crime, hoping to avoid detection. The effectiveness of certain social sanctions must be determined specifically historically, in connection with a certain socio-economic system, place, time and situation. The study of social sanctions is necessary to identify the consequences and to apply them both for society and for the individual.

Each group develops a specific system supervision.

Supervision - it is a system of formal and informal ways of detecting undesirable actions and behavior. Also, supervision is one of the forms of activity of various government agencies to ensure the rule of law.

For example, in our country there are currently prosecutorial supervision and judicial supervision. Prosecutor's supervision means the supervision of the prosecutor's office over the accurate and uniform implementation of laws by all ministries, departments, enterprises, institutions and others. public organizations, officials and citizens. And judicial supervision is the procedural activity of courts to verify the validity and legality of sentences, decisions, rulings and court decisions.

In 1882, police supervision was legally established in Russia. This was an administrative measure used in the fight against liberation movement With early XIX V. Police supervision could be open or covert, temporary or lifelong. For example, the supervised person did not have the right to change his place of residence, be in government or public service, etc.

But supervision is not only a system of police institutions, investigative bodies, etc., it also includes everyday monitoring of an individual’s actions by the social environment around him. Thus, the informal system of supervision is a constant assessment of behavior carried out by one group member after another, with a mutual assessment that the individual must take into account in his behavior. Informal supervision plays a large role in regulating everyday behavior in daily contacts, in the performance of professional work, etc.

A system of control based on a system of various institutions ensures that social contacts, interactions and relationships are carried out within the limits established by the group. These frameworks are not always too rigid and allow for individual “interpretation.”

Social sanctions are a means of reward and punishment that encourage people to comply with social norms. Social sanctions are guardians of norms.

Types of sanctions:

1) Formal positive sanctions are approval from official bodies:

Reward;

Scholarship;

Monument.

2) Informal positive sanctions are approval from society:

Praise;

Applause;

Compliment;

3) Formal negative is punishment from official bodies:

Dismissal;

Rebuke;

Death penalty.

4) Informal negative sanctions- punishment from society:

Comment;

Mockery;

There are two types of social control:

1. external social control - it is carried out by authorities, society, and close people.

2. internal social control - it is exercised by the person himself. 70% of human behavior depends on self-control.

Compliance with social norms is called conformity - this is the goal of social control

3. Social deviations: deviant and delinquent behavior.

The behavior of people who do not comply with social norms is called deviant. These actions do not correspond to the norms and social stereotypes established in a given society.

Positive deviance is deviant behavior that does not cause disapproval from society. It could be heroic deeds, self-sacrifice, over-devotion, excessive zeal, a heightened sense of pity and sympathy, over-industriousness, etc. Negative deviation is deviations that cause reactions of disapproval and condemnation in most people. These include terrorism, vandalism, theft, betrayal, ill-treatment with animals, etc.

Delinquent behavior is a serious violation of the law that may result in criminal liability.

There are several main forms of deviation.

1. Drunkenness – excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages. Alcoholism is a painful attraction to alcohol. This type of deviation brings great harm to all people. Both the economy and the well-being of society suffer from this. For example, in the United States, about 14 million people suffer from alcoholism, and annual losses from it reach up to 100 billion dollars. Our country is also a world leader in alcohol consumption. Russia produces 25 liters of alcohol per capita per year. Moreover, most of the alcohol is strong alcoholic drinks. IN lately There is also a problem of “beer” alcoholism, which mainly affects young people. About 500 thousand Russians die annually for various reasons related to alcohol.

2. Drug addiction is a painful attraction to drugs. Associated consequences of drug addiction are crimes, physical and mental exhaustion, and personality degradation. According to the UN, every 25th inhabitant of the Earth is a drug addict, i.e. There are more than 200 million drug addicts in the world. According to official estimates, there are 3 million drug addicts in Russia, and 5 million according to unofficial estimates. There are supporters of the legalization of “soft” drugs (such as marijuana). They give the example of the Netherlands, where the use of these drugs is legal. But the experience of these countries has shown that the number of drug addicts is not decreasing, but only increasing.

3. Prostitution – extramarital sexual relations for payment. There are countries where prostitution is legalized. Supporters of legalization believe that the transfer to a legal position will allow better control of the “process”, improve the situation, reduce the number of diseases, rid this area of ​​pimps and bandits, in addition, the state budget will receive additional taxes from this type of activity. Opponents of legalization point out the humiliation, inhumanity and immorality of body trade. Immorality cannot be legalized. Society cannot live according to the principle of “everything is permitted”, without certain moral brakes. In addition, underground prostitution with all its criminal, moral and medical problems will continue.

4. Homosexuality is sexual attraction to people of the same sex. Homosexuality occurs in the form of: a) sodomy - sexual relations between a man and a man, b) lesbianism - sexual attraction of a woman to a woman, c) bisexuality - sexual attraction to individuals of the same and opposite sex. Normal sexual desire women to men and vice versa is called heterosexuality. Some countries already allow marriages between gays and lesbians. Such families are allowed to adopt children. In our country, the population generally has ambivalent attitudes towards such relationships.

5. Anomie is a state of society in which a significant part of people disregard social norms. This happens in troubled, transitional, crisis times. civil wars, revolutionary upheavals, deep reforms, when previous goals and values ​​collapse, faith in customary moral and legal norms falls. Examples would be France period Great Revolution 1789, Russia in 1917 and the early 90s of the 20th century.

Majority social groups operate in accordance with certain laws and rules that, to one degree or another, regulate the behavior of all members of the community. These are laws, traditions, customs and rituals.

The first ones were developed at the state or regional levels, and their compliance is mandatory for absolutely all citizens of a particular state (as well as for non-residents located on its territory). The rest are rather advisory in nature and are not relevant for modern man, although for residents of the periphery they still have considerable weight.

Conformism as a way of adaptation

Preservation of the usual state of affairs and the existing order is necessary for people, like air. From an early age, children are taught how it is desirable or even necessary to behave in the company of other people. Most educational measures are aimed at eliminating from their behavior actions that may be unpleasant for others. Children are taught:

• Restrain the manifestations of the body's vital functions.
• Do not irritate people with loud speech and bright clothes.
• Respect personal space boundaries (do not touch others unnecessarily).

And, of course, this list includes a ban on committing acts of violence.

When a person can be educated and develops the appropriate skills, his behavior becomes conformist, that is, socially acceptable. Such people are considered pleasant, unobtrusive, and easy to communicate with. When an individual’s behavior deviates from the generally accepted pattern, various punitive measures are applied to him (formal and informal negative sanctions). The purpose of these actions is to draw a person’s attention to the nature of his mistakes and correct his behavior pattern.

Personality psychology: system of sanctions

In the professional vocabulary of psychoanalysts, sanctions mean the reaction of a group to the actions or words of an individual subject. Various types punishments are used to implement normative regulation of social systems and subsystems.

It should be noted that sanctions are also incentives. Along with values, rewards stimulate compliance with existing social norms. They serve as a reward for those subjects who play by the rules, that is, for conformists. At the same time, deviance (deviation from the laws), depending on the severity of the offense, entails certain types of punishment: formal (fine, arrest) or informal (reprimand, conviction).

What is “punishment” and “censure”

The use of certain negative sanctions is determined by the severity of the socially disapproved offense and the rigidity of the norms. IN modern society use:

• Punishments.
• Reprimands.

The first are expressed in the fact that the violator may be subject to a fine, an administrative penalty, or his access to socially valuable resources may be limited.

Informal negative sanctions in the form of reprimands become the reaction of members of society to manifestations of dishonesty, rudeness or rudeness on the part of the individual. In this case, members of the community (group, team, family) may stop maintaining relationships with the person, express social disapproval of him and point out peculiarities of behavior. Of course, there are those who like to read lectures with or without reason, but this is a completely different category of people.

The essence of social control

According to the French sociologist R. Lapierre, sanctions should be divided into three main types:

1. Physical, which are used to punish a person who has violated social norms.
2. Economic, which consists in blocking the satisfaction of the most important needs (fine, penalty, dismissal).
3. Administrative, the essence of which is to lower social status (warning, punishment, removal from office).

In the implementation of all of the listed types of sanctions, other people take part in the implementation of all the listed types of sanctions, except for the offender. This is social control: society uses the concept of norm to correct the behavior of all participants. The goal of social control can be called the formation of a predictable and predictable model of behavior.

Informal negative sanctions in the context of self-control

To carry out most types of social punishment, the presence of strangers becomes mandatory. For example, a person who has broken the law must be sentenced in accordance with the adopted legislation (formal sanctions). The trial may require the participation of from five to ten people to several dozen people, because imprisonment is a very serious punishment.

Informal negative sanctions can be used by any number of people and also have a huge impact on the offender. Even if an individual does not accept the customs and traditions of the group in which he is located, hostility is unpleasant to him. After some resistance, the situation can be resolved in two ways: leaving a given society or agreeing with its social norms. In the latter case, all existing sanctions are important: positive, negative, formal, informal.

When social norms are embedded deeply in the subconscious, the need to use external punishment is significantly weakened, as the individual develops the ability to independently control his behavior. Personality psychology is a branch of science (psychology) that studies various individual processes. She pays quite a lot of attention to the study of self-control.

The essence of this phenomenon is that a person himself compares his actions with generally accepted norms, etiquette and customs. When he notices a deviation, he is able to determine the severity of the offense himself. As a rule, the consequence of such violations is remorse and a painful feeling of guilt. They indicate successful socialization the individual, as well as his agreement with the requirements of public morality and norms of behavior.

The importance of self-control for group well-being

A feature of such a phenomenon as self-control is that all measures to identify deviations from norms and apply negative sanctions are carried out by the violator himself. He is judge, jury and executioner.

Of course, if the misconduct becomes known to other people, public censure may also occur. However, in most cases, even if the event is kept secret, the apostate will be punished.

According to statistics, 70% of social control is achieved through self-control. Many parents, heads of enterprises and even states resort to this tool to one degree or another. Properly developed and implemented guidelines, corporate rules, laws and traditions make it possible to achieve impressive discipline with minimal time and effort spent on control activities.

Self-control and dictatorship

Informal negative sanctions (examples: condemnation, disapproval, removal, censure) become powerful weapon in the hands of a skilled manipulator. By using these techniques as a means of external control over the behavior of group members while simultaneously minimizing or even eliminating self-control, the leader can gain considerable power.

In the absence of their own criteria for assessing the correctness of actions, people turn to the norms of public morality and a list of generally accepted rules. To maintain balance in the group, external control should be the stricter, the worse the self-control is developed.

The downside of excessive control and petty supervision of a person is the inhibition of the development of his consciousness, the muffling of the volitional efforts of the individual. In the context of a state, this can lead to the establishment of a dictatorship.

With good intentions...

There are many cases in history when dictatorship was introduced as a temporary measure - its purpose was said to be to restore order. However, the presence of this regime for a long time and the spread of strict coercive control of citizens hinder the development of internal control.

As a result, they faced gradual degradation. These individuals, not accustomed to and unable to take responsibility, are unable to cope without external coercion. In the future, dictatorship becomes necessary for them.

Thus, we can conclude that the higher the level of development of self-control, the more civilized the society is and the less it needs any sanctions. In a society whose members are characterized by a high capacity for self-control, democracy is more likely to be established.

Sanctions are not only punishments, but also incentives that promote compliance with social norms.

Sanctions – security guards are fine. Along with values, they are responsible for why people strive to fulfill norms. Norms are protected from two sides – from the side of values ​​and from the side of sanctions.

Social sanctions – an extensive system of rewards for fulfilling norms, i.e. for conformity, for agreeing with them, and punishments for deviation from them, i.e. for deviant behavior.

Conformism represents external agreement with generally accepted norms, when internally an individual can maintain disagreement with them, but not tell anyone about it.

Conformism – the goal of social control. However, the goal of socialization cannot be conformity, because it must end in internal agreement with the generally accepted.

There are four types of sanctions: positive and negative, formal and informal. They give four types of combinations that can be represented as a logical square:

Positive Negative

FORMAL

INFORMAL

Formal positive sanctions(F+)– public approval from official organizations (government, institution, creative union): government awards, state prizes and scholarships, awarded titles, academic degrees and titles, construction of a monument, presentation of certificates of honor, admission to high positions and honorary functions (for example, election chairman of the board).

Informal positive sanctions(H+) – public approval that does not come from official organizations: friendly praise, compliments, tacit recognition, goodwill, applause, fame, honor, flattering reviews, recognition of leadership or expert qualities, smile.

Formal negative sanctions (F-)- punishments provided for by legal laws, government decrees, administrative instructions, orders, orders: deprivation of civil rights, imprisonment, arrest, dismissal, fine, depreciation, confiscation of property, demotion, demotion, dethronement, death penalty, excommunication churches.

Informal negative sanctions (N-) – punishments not provided for by official authorities: censure, remark, ridicule, mockery, cruel joke, unflattering nickname, neglect, refusal to shake hands or maintain relationships, spreading rumors, slander, unkind review, complaint, writing a pamphlet or feuilleton, revealing article.

So, social sanctions play a key role in the system of social control. Sanctions, together with values ​​and norms, constitute a mechanism of social control. Social sanctions are a system of rewards and punishments. They are divided into four types: positive and negative, formal and informal. Depending on the method of imposing sanctions - collective or individual - social control can be external and internal (self-control). According to the degree of intensity, sanctions are strict, or tough, and non-strict, or soft.

The rules themselves do not control anything. People's behavior is controlled by other people based on norms that are expected to be followed by everyone. Compliance with norms, like compliance with sanctions, makes our behavior predictable. Each of us knows that an official reward awaits for an outstanding scientific discovery, and imprisonment for a serious crime. When we expect a certain action from another person, we hope that he knows not only the norm, but also the sanction that follows.

Thus, norms and sanctions are combined into a single whole. If a norm does not have an accompanying sanction, then it ceases to regulate real behavior. It becomes a slogan, a call, an appeal, but it ceases to be an element of social control.

The application of social sanctions in some cases requires the presence of outsiders, but in others it does not. Dismissal is formalized by the personnel department of the institution and involves the preliminary issuance of an order or order. Imprisonment requires a complex judicial procedure upon which a judgment is made. Bringing administrative liability, say, a fine for traveling without a ticket, requires the presence of an official transport controller, and sometimes a policeman. The awarding of an academic degree involves an equally complex procedure for defending a scientific dissertation and the decision of the academic council.

Sanctions for violators of group habits require a smaller number of persons. Sanctions are never applied to oneself. If the application of sanctions is carried out by the person himself, is directed at himself and occurs internally, then this form of control should be considered self-control.

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Sanctions are guardians of norms. Social sanctions are an extensive system of rewards for compliance with norms, and punishments for deviation from them (i.e., deviance).

Fig. 1 Types of social sanctions.

There are four types of sanctions:

Formal positive sanctions- public approval from official organizations, documented in documents with signatures and seals. These include, for example, awarding orders, titles, bonuses, admission to high positions, etc.

Informal positive sanctions- public approval that does not come from official organizations: compliment, smile, fame, applause, etc.

Formal negative sanctions- punishments provided for by laws, instructions, decrees, etc. This means arrest, imprisonment, excommunication, fine, etc.

Informal negative sanctions- punishments not provided for by law - mockery, censure, lecture, neglect, spreading rumors, feuilleton in a newspaper, slander, etc.

Norms and sanctions are combined into one whole. If a norm does not have an accompanying sanction, then it loses its regulatory function. Let's say in the 19th century. in countries Western Europe The birth of children in a legal marriage was considered the norm. Illegitimate children were excluded from inheriting their parents' property, they could not enter into worthy marriages, and they were neglected in everyday communication. Gradually, as society became more modern, sanctions for violating this norm were excluded, and public opinion softened. As a result, the norm ceased to exist.

3. Mechanisms of action of social control

Social norms by themselves do not control anything. People's behavior is controlled by other people based on norms that are expected to be followed by everyone. Compliance with norms, like compliance with sanctions, makes our behavior predictable. Each of us knows, but for felony- imprisonment. When we expect a certain action from another person, we hope that he knows not only the norm, but also the sanction that follows.

Thus, norms and sanctions are combined into a single whole. If a norm does not have an accompanying sanction, then it ceases to regulate real behavior. It becomes a slogan, a call, an appeal, but it ceases to be an element of social control.

The application of social sanctions in some cases requires the presence of outsiders, but in others it does not. Dismissal is formalized by the personnel department of the institution and involves the preliminary issuance of an order or order. Imprisonment requires a complex judicial procedure upon which a judgment is made. Bringing to administrative liability, say a fine for traveling without a ticket, requires the presence of an official transport controller, and sometimes a policeman. The awarding of an academic degree involves an equally complex procedure for defending a scientific dissertation and the decision of the academic council. Sanctions against violators of group habits require a smaller number of persons, but, nevertheless, they are never applied to oneself. If the application of sanctions is carried out by the person himself, directed at himself and occurs internally, then this form of control should be considered self-control.

Social control– the most effective tool with the help of which powerful institutions of society organize the life of ordinary citizens. The tools, or in this case methods, of social control are extremely diverse; they depend on the situation, goals and nature of the specific group where they are used. They range from one-on-one showdowns to psychological pressure, physical violence, and economic coercion. It is not necessary that the control mechanisms were aimed at excluding the undesirable person and stimulating the loyalty of others. Most often, it is not the individual himself who is subject to “isolation,” but his actions, statements, and relationships with other persons.

Unlike self-control, external control is a set of institutions and mechanisms that guarantee compliance with generally accepted norms of behavior and laws. It is divided into informal (intragroup) and formal (institutional).

Formal control is based on approval or condemnation from official authorities and administration.

Informal control is based on approval or condemnation from a group of relatives, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, as well as from public opinion, which is expressed through traditions and customs or means mass media.

The traditional rural community controlled all aspects of the lives of its members: the choice of a bride, methods of resolving disputes and conflicts, methods of courtship, choosing the name of a newborn, and much more. There were no written rules. Public opinion, most often expressed by the oldest members of the community, acted as a controller. IN unified system Religion was organically intertwined with social control. Strict observance of rituals and ceremonies associated with traditional holidays and ceremonies (for example, marriage, birth of a child, coming of age, betrothal, harvest) fostered a sense of respect for social norms, instilled a deep understanding of their necessity.

In compact primary groups, extremely effective and at the same time very subtle control mechanisms, such as persuasion, ridicule, gossip and contempt, are constantly in operation to curb real and potential deviants. Ridicule and gossip are powerful tools of social control in all types of primary groups. Unlike methods formal control, such as a reprimand or demotion, informal methods are available to almost everyone. Both ridicule and gossip can be manipulated by any intelligent person who has access to their transmission channels.

Not only commercial organizations, but both universities and the church have successfully used economic sanctions to deter their staff from deviant behavior, that is, behavior that is regarded as beyond the bounds of what is acceptable.

Crosby (1975) highlighted four main types of informal control.

Social rewards, manifested as smiles, nods of approval, and measures that promote more tangible benefits (for example, promotion), serve to encourage conformity and implicitly condemn deviance.

Punishment, expressed as a frown, critical remarks and even threats of physical harm, is directly directed against deviant acts and is due to the desire to eradicate them.

Belief represents another way of influencing deviants. A coach can encourage a baseball player who misses practice to stay in shape.

Final, more complex type social control is reassessment of norms– in this case, behavior that was considered deviant is assessed as normal. For example, in the past, if a husband stayed home, did housework, and took care of the children while his wife went to work, his behavior was considered unusual and even deviant. Currently (mainly as a result of women’s struggle for their rights), roles in the family are gradually being reconsidered, and a man’s doing housework is no longer considered reprehensible and shameful.

Informal control can also be exercised by the family, circle of relatives, friends and acquaintances. They are called agents of informal control. If we consider the family as a social institution, then we should talk about it as the most important institution of social control.

Formal control historically arose later than informal control - during the emergence of complex societies and states, in particular the ancient Eastern empires.

Although, undoubtedly, we can easily find its harbingers in more early period- in the so-called identities, where the range of formal sanctions officially applied to violators is clearly defined, for example, the death penalty, expulsion from the tribe, removal from office, as well as all kinds of rewards.

However, in modern society the importance of formal control has greatly increased. Why? It turns out that in a complex society, especially in a country with a population of millions, it is increasingly difficult to maintain order and stability. Informal control is limited to a small group of people. In a large group it is ineffective. Therefore it is called Local (local). On the contrary, formal control applies throughout the country. It's global.

It is carried out by special people - agents of formal control. These are persons specially trained and paid for performing control functions. They are carriers social statuses and roles. These include judges, police officers, psychiatrists, social workers, special church officials, etc.

If in traditional society While social control was based on unwritten rules, in modern times it is based on written norms: instructions, decrees, regulations, laws. Social control gained institutional support.

Formal control is exercised by such institutions of modern society as courts, education, army, production, media, political parties, government. The school controls through examination grades, the government through the tax system and social assistance to the population. State control is exercised through the police, the secret service, state radio and television channels and the press.

Control methods depending on the sanctions applied are divided into:

• soft;
• straight;
• indirect.

These four control methods may overlap.

Examples:

1. The media are instruments of indirect soft control.
2. Political repression, racketeering, organized crime are tools of direct strict control.
3. The effect of the constitution and the criminal code are instruments of direct soft control.
4. Economic sanctions of the international community - tools of indirect strict control

	Hard	Soft
Direct	pancreas	PM
Indirect	QoL	KM

Fig.2. Typology of formal control methods.

4. Functions of social control

According to A.I. Kravchenko, the mechanism of social control plays an important role in strengthening the institutions of society. The same elements, namely a system of rules and norms of behavior that reinforce and standardize people’s behavior, making it predictable, are also included in social institution, and in social control. “Social control is one of the most generally accepted concepts in sociology. It refers to the various means that any society uses to curb its unruly members. No society can do without social control. Even a small group of people who come together by chance will have to develop their own control mechanisms so as not to fall apart in the shortest possible time.”

Thus, A.I. Kravchenko identifies the following functions, which perform social control in relation to society:

• protective function;
• stabilizing function.

Description

IN modern world Social control is understood as the supervision of human behavior in society in order to prevent conflicts, restore order and maintain the existing social order. The presence of social control is one of the most important conditions for the normal functioning of the state, as well as compliance with its laws. An ideal society is considered to be one in which each member does what he wants, but at the same time this is what is expected of him and what is required by the state for at the moment. Of course, it is not always easy to force a person to do what society wants him to do.