What is an example of formal social control?

The enforcement of laws by police is an excellent example of formal social control because it is a structured and institutionalized method of maintaining order within society. Formal social control refers specifically to mechanisms that are established by authority figures or institutions, such as the legal system, government agencies, and law enforcement. These mechanisms include laws, regulations, and policies that are created to deter deviant behavior and uphold societal norms.

Police enforcement operates within the framework of established laws, and actions taken by police, such as arresting individuals or issuing fines, directly reflect the sanctioned legal consequences that aim to regulate behavior. This type of control is characterized by formal procedures and rules, unlike other social controls that rely on more informal means, such as community norms and practices, social gatherings, or familial discipline. Thus, the role of police in law enforcement distinctly illustrates how societies utilize formal structures to manage behavior and maintain social order.