Formal social control refers to the mechanisms and processes established by society and implemented through official institutions to enforce norms, rules, and laws that regulate individuals' behavior and maintain social order. It is a form of social control that is based on explicit and codified guidelines and is usually carried out by authorized governmental or organizational entities.
Formal social control relies on the use of laws, regulations, policies, and official sanctions to deter and respond to deviant or undesirable behavior. These mechanisms are typically implemented through specialized institutions such as the police, judiciary, correctional facilities, regulatory agencies, and other legal bodies. They have the authority and power to enforce compliance and punish violators of established rules and norms.
Examples of formal social control include the investigation and prosecution of criminal activities, the imposition of fines, imprisonment, probation, or community service as sanctions for lawbreakers, and the enforcement of regulations by government agencies to ensure compliance with standards and restrictions.
Formal social control plays a crucial role in maintaining social order, ensuring the smooth functioning of society, and protecting the rights and well-being of individuals. It acts as a deterrent for potential offenders, provides a framework for resolving conflicts, and establishes a sense of justice and fairness within a society.
However, it is important to note that formal social control is just one aspect of the broader social control system, which also includes informal social control mechanisms such as social norms, values, customs, and peer pressure. The combination of both formal and informal social control helps to shape individuals' behavior and maintain social cohesion.