Social controls are the mechanisms by which society regulates individual and group behavior to ensure conformity to norms and expectations. The fundamental difference between internal and external social controls lies in their origin and the primary motivator for compliance. Internal social controls stem from an individual's internalized values and conscience, while external social controls rely on pressures and sanctions from outside sources.
Internal Social Control: The Conscience Within
Internal social control refers to the regulation of behavior that comes from within an individual. It is the result of the socialization process, where individuals internalize societal norms, values, and beliefs, making them a part of their personal moral compass.
- Mechanism: This form of control operates through an individual's own sense of right and wrong. People conform to social norms not because they fear punishment, but because they believe it is the correct or ethical way to behave. It's about self-regulation and adhering to one's personal standards of conduct.
- Motivation: The motivation to comply comes from within, driven by feelings like guilt, shame, empathy, or a desire to maintain personal integrity.
- Impact: When individuals possess a strong internal sense of control, it significantly decreases the likelihood that one will deviate from social norms. They act in socially acceptable ways even in the absence of external monitoring.
Examples of Internal Social Control:
- Not littering: An individual refrains from throwing trash on the ground because they believe it's environmentally irresponsible and morally wrong, not just because a fine might be imposed.
- Helping someone in need: Offering assistance to a stranger, even when there's no personal gain, driven by empathy or a sense of civic duty.
- Honesty: Choosing to return a lost wallet with its contents, motivated by a personal conviction that honesty is the best policy.
External Social Control: Society's Rules and Sanctions
External social control refers to the mechanisms by which society, through its institutions and agents, enforces conformity to norms. These controls are imposed from outside the individual and typically involve the threat or application of sanctions.
- Mechanism: Individuals conform because an authority figure threatens sanctions if the individual disobeys. These sanctions can be formal (like laws and regulations) or informal (like peer pressure or disapproval).
- Motivation: The motivation to comply comes from external sources, driven by the desire to avoid negative consequences (punishments) or gain positive ones (rewards).
- Impact: External controls ensure order and conformity, particularly when internal controls are insufficient or absent. They establish clear boundaries for acceptable behavior.
Examples of External Social Control:
- Laws and Fines: Stopping at a red light to avoid a traffic ticket or imprisonment.
- School Rules: Following a dress code to avoid suspension, or completing homework to receive a good grade.
- Parental Discipline: A child cleaning their room to avoid being grounded.
- Social Ostracism: Avoiding certain behaviors to prevent being shunned by a social group or community.
Key Differences Summarized
Here's a comparison highlighting the primary distinctions between internal and external social controls:
| Feature | Internal Social Control | External Social Control |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Self-imposed (conscience, values, morality) | Imposed by external entities (society, institutions) |
| Driving Force | Personal conviction, ethics, guilt, empathy | Fear of sanctions, desire for reward, authority |
| Mechanism | Self-regulation, internalized norms | Rules, laws, punishments, rewards, peer pressure |
| Nature | Psychological, intrinsic | Sociological, extrinsic |
| Examples | Conscience, sense of right/wrong, personal integrity | Laws, police, schools, parents, social pressure |
The Interplay of Control
Both internal and external social controls are crucial for maintaining social order and cohesion. They are not mutually exclusive but often work in conjunction. Effective societies foster strong internal controls through socialization, reducing the need for constant external enforcement. However, external controls serve as a necessary backup, providing a framework for behavior and deterring deviance when internal moral compasses falter. For instance, while most people don't steal due to an internal belief that it's wrong, the existence of laws against theft and law enforcement agents provides an additional layer of external control.
Understanding this dynamic is vital for developing effective policies and fostering a well-regulated society where individuals contribute positively, driven by both personal ethics and societal expectations.
