GlossariesGCSE GlossariesGCSE Sociology GlossaryAgencies Of Social Control

Agencies Of Social Control - GCSE Sociology Definition

Reviewed by: Raj Bonsor

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In GCSE Sociology, 'agencies of social control' refer to the organisations and institutions that enforce norms and regulate behaviour within a society to maintain order and cohesiveness.

These agencies include formal institutions like the police, judiciary, and government, which have the authority to enforce laws and sanctions, as well as informal entities like families, schools, and peer groups, which influence individuals through socialisation and the establishment of cultural expectations.

By promoting conformity and discouraging deviance, these agencies play a crucial role in shaping individuals' behaviour and ensuring societal stability.

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Raj Bonsor

Reviewer: Raj Bonsor

Expertise: Psychology & Sociology Content Creator

Raj joined Save My Exams in 2024 as a Senior Content Creator for Psychology & Sociology. Prior to this, she spent fifteen years in the classroom, teaching hundreds of GCSE and A Level students. She has experience as Subject Leader for Psychology and Sociology, and her favourite topics to teach are research methods (especially inferential statistics!) and attachment. She has also successfully taught a number of Level 3 subjects, including criminology, health & social care, and citizenship.

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