SOCIETY 

SOCIAL CONTROL, NORMS, MORES, FOLKWAYS, LAWS,  INSTITUTIONS  AND

GROUPS 
SOCIAL CONTROL 

• Social control is the study of the mechanisms, in the form of patterns of pressure,
through which society maintains social order and cohesion. 
•  Regardless of its source the goal of social control  is to maintain conformity to
established norms and rules
• The various means by which social control is achieved in groups are as follows
 NORMS 

• Norms are broad categories of unwritten rules which exist in and within groups. 
• They represent ways of acting and behaving which have been tested to be beneficial
in promoting group cohesion and reducing tensions and conflict. 
• Norms are passed from elders to the younger generation through the process of
socialization 
EXAMPLES OF NORMS 

• Children must not leave home without parent's permission

• Speaking softly and sweetly at all times 
• Greeting a friend with a handshake or hug 
• Using the words "please" and "thank you"  appropriately

NB: Penalties for disobeyng norms are calls  sanctions

• Identify sanctions for breaching the above examples.
MORES 

• Mores are a group of norms which deal specially with moral behavior.
Moral behavior- To act according to ones values and standards.

• Mores are so important to maintain peace, order and stability that some of

them have turned into laws. 
 EXAMPLES OF MORES 

• Obscene language must not be used 

• Pornographic material should not be viewed 
• Do not steal 
• Always speak the truth 
• Do not murder 
• Abstain from pre-marital sex 
WHAT ARE FOLKWAYS?
 FOLKWAYS 

• Folkways are cultural traditions that are observed by members of

society. 
• Examples of folkway activities:
• Religious celebrations (Christmas) 
• Funeral rites and rituals
• Wedding ceremonies 
• Birthday celebrations 
 LAWS 

Definition 1: Laws are rules which have been enacted by the legislature of a country. 
Definition 2: Laws refer to a system of rules created and enforced through social or
governmental institutions to regulate behavior.
It has been variously described as a science and the art of justice
• There are traffic laws, criminal laws and civic laws.
• Specific penalties are imposed for breaches of the law. 
 FUNCTIONS OF LAWS

• To force obedience on the population thereby controlling behavior 

• To maintain peace and order in society and prvent crime 
• To deter people from committing crimes by attaching penalties to laws 
• To compensate victims of crime 
• To guarantee justice and equality of treatment for the population
Do you think the laws we have currently are working effectively?
Justify your answer 
WHAT IS A GROUP?
 GROUP

• A group may be defined as a number of people who share common

characteristics and who have common golas, aims and purposes. 
 WHY DO GROUPS CONTINUE TO EXIST?

• People are dependent on each other for food, clothing, shelter etc. In short
people depend on others for survival 
• Man is a social creature and cherishes the company of others 
• Groups provide their members with a sense of belonging and identity;
members get a feeling of comfort and security 
• Groups set standard of behavior for their members which act as a means of
social control thus contributing to order in society 
• Many problems that cant be solved by individuals can be solved within groups 
 TYPES OF GROUPS 

• Primary Group
A primary group is one which is characterised by intimate , face- to- face
relationships. Consequently, these groups are usually small and members are
no strangers to each other. 
• The family is a good example of a primary group.
 SECONDARY GROUPS

• A group which is larger than a primary group. Therefore the intimacy is less
than that of a primary group. 
• Members in a class are considered a primary group while members of an
entire school is considered to be a secondary group. 
• Other examples: trade unions, political parties 
 VOLUNTARY GROUPS 

• Sometimes groups are formed to provide service to the community or to

support a good cause
• Examples: Red cross and Lions' Club
 PEER GROUP

• In this group members associate with others who are approximately their same age
and social status.
Example: during childhood children associate with other children for the purpose of
playing. Teenagers joining study group.
• Peer groups allows individuals to develop proper attitudes, values and the correct
concept of fairplay. 
NB There are some peer groups that are negative influences such as gangs that
engage in use of illegal substances and violence 
FORMAL AND INFORMAL GROUPS 

• Formal groups are usually registered groups with written laws and
penalties to maintain those laws whereas informal groups has no written
laws and its roles and goals arise spontaneously with the changing
activities of the group.
 CHARACTERISTICS OF SOCIAL GROUPS

• Structure
• Common goals & needs
• Voluntary or involuntary membership
•  Interest and values
• Specific ways of interacting determined by rules and regulations
• Established patterns of behavior
• Cooperation to achieve group goals 
• Sanctions. 
 REQUIREMENTS FOR COHESION IN GROUPS

• Leadership- for some groups suitable persons are voted in by members of the group
•  Control- rules and regulations are in place with necessary sanctions to maintain control
within groups 
•  Cooperation- members of groups  work together to achieve common goals 
• Authority- Needed especially for maintaining large groups  that are dependent on laws.
• commitment and loyalty- Each groups seeks members that share common interest so there is
an expected level of commitment in group allowing positive growth for each member