Social Control Research Paper

788 Words2 Pages

For many, when asked to define control, descriptors like “some one in charge” or “someone who makes the rules,” are used to summarize the term. Oxford ( ), defines control as the power to influence or direct people’s behavior or the course of events. The definition provided successfully summarizes what is commonly seen as control, however control entails much more than a short definition and descriptors. Control is embedded within complex multi layered, interlocking systems, which increase in complexity as more individuals, agencies, and variables are involved. Skinner (1953, p. 313) describes personal control as a social episode in which an individual generates important variables affecting the behavior of another. As control is extended …show more content…

The control of another person can be exerted by anyone, anywhere, and in any setting. A parent, sibling, friend, teacher, priest, police officer or government agent all have the ability to control a single or group of individuals. Furthermore, a controller’s ability to control can be spread across settings and time or be specific to a one-time event. Control begins almost instantaneously after birth within a family unit. As children grow, two more layers of control are added, each incorporating their own value system. Educational agencies step in, to build upon social control and establish contingencies to teach behavioral rules of a community. Religion is developed around usual or accidental contingencies and focuses on the topic of morality. While governmental control exercise “supreme” control over is governing society and centers on the protection of …show more content…

The goal can be a shared one between the controller and controlee such as in the case of a team and its captain where the goal is to win a game, race, or tournament. In this case both have a vested interest in the relationship and control will continue as long both are reinforced. Others goals of control may not be as equally balanced, although it may be intended to be centered around the intention to benefit the controlee. Examples of these goals include those of parents and teachers. Parents among the scope of control, parents set such goals as teaching safety where the child is expected to follow rules designed with their health and safety in mind. Regardless of whether or not the child understands it, the goal directly benefits him or her. In a similar way, they teacher’s goals maybe to provide the child with the tools he or she will need to navigate other interlocking control systems. The curriculums are designed to teach the value systems so they can function with in their

Open Document