Formal Social Control vs. Informal Social Control — What's the Difference?

In society, Formal Social Control and Informal Social Control play pivotal roles in maintaining order and discipline. Formal Social Control is established by authorized institutions, like law enforcement agencies, courts, and schools, where rules, laws, and regulations are enforced, often involving penalties for non-compliance. Informal Social Control, on the other hand, stems from societal norms, customs, traditions, and values that guide individual behavior, mainly through social pressure, and does not involve legal repercussions.

Formal Social Control is clearly structured and has distinct, predetermined consequences, providing a legal framework within which society operates. It involves tangible, documented rules and is associated with the governance of society to maintain order and regulate conflict. Informal Social Control is less structured and relies on societal or peer pressure, moral and ethical persuasion, and is often enforced by family, friends, or social circles. It helps in creating a societal balance by establishing acceptable behavior patterns.

While Formal Social Control predominantly uses legal systems, like laws, regulations, and policies, to mandate behavior and impose penalties, Informal Social Control is more oriented toward influencing individual behavior through societal expectations, norms, and values, without legal implications. The effectiveness of Formal Social Control is usually measurable, whereas the effectiveness of Informal Social Control can be subjective and variable, depending on individual perceptions and societal norms.

In many societies, Formal Social Control and Informal Social Control coexist and complement each other, collaboratively shaping individuals’ behaviors and maintaining societal harmony. The effectiveness of these controls relies on the societal context, individuals' perceptions, and adherence to both formal regulations and informal norms.