What are some positive examples of social control?
Society encourages people to follow the norms. It does so by imposing positive and negative sanctions. Most of us are aware of the negative sanctions: spanking, “time out,” denial of privileges, etc. However, society also uses positive sanctions. If young children do well in school, their parents get a “My Child Is Student of the Month at X School” bumper sticker. If a little girl or boy does something of which the parents approve, they get a pat on the head or a hug. For a while, several cities in the U.S. and the U.K. had policemen pull over cars where the driver had exhibited very good driving habits. Instead of getting a “ticket” in the traditional sense, the cop made out a ticket for dinner for two at a good local restaurant. In the Armed Services, positive sanction may be in the form of promotions and medals, especially during time of war. In business, we give bonuses or recognition as “Employee of the Month, ” which may entitle the employee to a reserved parking spot. All of the
