Internal Forms of Social Control
Internal forms of social control in criminology refer to the mechanisms that persuade or compel individuals to conform to society's norms, laws, and expectations through internalized values and beliefs. These forms of control are integral to shaping behavior and maintaining social order.
Definition: Social control involves persuading or compelling people to conform to society's norms, laws, and expectations.
There are two main forms of social control:
- Internal forms
- External forms
Internal forms of social control are rooted in our own values and beliefs that form our personality. We conform because we have internalized a sense of right and wrong, which constitutes our morals.
Highlight: The moral conscience and superego play crucial roles in internal social control, as described in Freud's theory of personality.
Freud's Theory of Personality
Sigmund Freud's psychodynamic theory of personality outlines three key components of the mind:
-
Id
Definition: The instinctual part of the mind that responds immediately to wants and desires. It is chaotic, animal-like, impulsive, seeking pleasure and avoiding pain.
-
Ego
Definition: The decision-making part of the mind that uses reason and logic, trying to get the id and superego to cooperate in real life.
-
Superego
Definition: The voice that incorporates values and morals learned from one's parents and society. It tries to persuade the id to turn to moral goals rather than pleasure-seeking.
Highlight: The superego acts as a moral conscience, reminding us of the consequences of our decisions and punishing us internally with feelings of guilt and shame.
