Informal social controls refer to the unwritten and unofficial methods and practices within a society that shape and govern individuals' behavior. These controls do not rely on formal laws or institutions but are instead enforced through social norms, customs, and personal relationships.
Informal social controls are often subtle and operate on a day-to-day basis, exerting influence on individuals' actions, attitudes, and beliefs. They play a crucial role in maintaining social order and harmony within a community or group.
These controls can take various forms, such as social norms, peer pressure, public opinion, moral codes, and informal sanctions. Social norms are shared expectations or rules of behavior that guide people's actions. Peer pressure refers to the influence that one's peers exert on an individual to conform to certain behaviors or values. Public opinion represents the prevailing beliefs and attitudes held by a majority of the members of a society.
Moral codes, based on shared ethical principles, also serve as a form of informal social control by influencing individuals' moral decision-making and guiding their behavior. Informal sanctions such as praise, admiration, ridicule, gossip, or exclusion from social groups can also be powerful tools for shaping behavior within communities.
Informal social controls are dynamic and subject to change over time, reflecting the evolving values and norms within a society. While informal social controls are not legally binding, they are an essential component of social order, reinforcing behavioral expectations and ensuring the functioning of a community or group.