What type of social control are put in place to stop people from acting in deviant ways?

major factor keeps people acting in deviant ways system of norms established society. in 1907, william graham sumner classified norms 2 broad categories: folkways , mores. of our everyday behavior consists of folkways (eating @ table; using knife, fork, , spoon; saying 'thank you' , 'you're welcome;" etc.). develop out of tradition , general acceptance among population. mores refer more fundamental needs of society (respecting human life, respecting person's right own property, etc.). when break 1 of mores, commit taboo (a negatively defined mos -- singular of mores).

folkways flexible , can broken without serious harm societal ways. example, although believe should eat @ table, it's right order pizza on friday night, set box on floor in front of tv, , have casual family meal.

however, breaking mores poses threat society. in past, mores enforced public humiliation or banishment. today, rely on our legal system

but, although folkways not considered terribly important, enforce them through social controls of gossip, ridicule, , ostracism.

in legally constituted society, norm can made law. however, law reflects feeling of people. so, if park car in such way blocks someone's driveway, may ticket, don't thrown in jail. on other hand, if steal person's car, arrested, tried, , -- if convicted -- given jail sentence. first case violation of folkways (you ought not interfere person's access driveway), second violation of mores (you must respect person's right own property).

note folkways "oughts" of society; mores "musts."
.

Social Science Sociology Next