Formal Social Control - GCSE Sociology Definition

Formal social control refers to the established systems and institutions that are used to regulate behaviour and maintain order within society through codified laws and rules. It involves the enforcement of legal norms by official agencies such as the police, courts, and government bodies, which have the authority to impose sanctions like fines, imprisonment, or other penalties on individuals who violate societal laws.

In the context of GCSE Sociology, understanding formal social control is important as it highlights how societies maintain conformity and manage deviance through structured and official means, contrasting with informal social control, which relies on social norms and peer pressure.