How does society control our behaviour? (Positivists)

Social Psychology (10th Edition)
10th Edition
ISBN:9780134641287
Author:Elliot Aronson, Timothy D. Wilson, Robin M. Akert, Samuel R. Sommers
Publisher:Elliot Aronson, Timothy D. Wilson, Robin M. Akert, Samuel R. Sommers
Chapter1: Introducing Social Psychology
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How does society control our behaviour? (Positivists)

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Introduction

The empirical study of the social world is known as positivism. It aims to develop abstract and universal laws that govern the functioning of the social universe. Law is a statement about the interaction of forces in the universe.

Laws must be tested against collected data systematically, according to positivism. Auguste Comte was a firm believer in positivism, citing Newton's law of gravity as an example.

Explanation

According to the positivist criminological perspective, people's internal or external effects are the primary cause of their conduct. Over the last century, the majority of attempts to understand crime have focused on social factors as causes. These initiatives are based on the assumption that changing underlying social dynamics will reduce or eradicate such behavior.

By normalizing the shape of pressure patterns, society preserves social order and stability. These mechanisms, which include elements such as guilt, coercion, authority, discipline, and persuasion, create and enforce a social standard.

People and institutions exert social influence from the family to peers and organizations like the State, religious organizations, colleges, and the workplace. Wherever it comes from, social regulations are intended to safeguard compliance with existing standards and legislation. Community members generally use social control to ensure that they comply with someone they consider to be deviant, trouble-free, risky, or unwanted.

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