Functions of Social Control: A Comprehensive Guide for Sociology Students

Question 1

Which of the following is a formal mechanism of social control, characterized by established rules and regulations?

Accepted Answer

Laws and regulations

Answer

Social norms

Answer

Gossip

Answer

Education

Question 2

How does social control influence the process of socialization, where individuals learn and adopt societal norms and values?

Accepted Answer

By enforcing adherence to societal norms

Answer

By encouraging complete individual freedom and autonomy

Answer

By eradicating all forms of deviance from society

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a primary function of social control in society?

Accepted Answer

Regulating individual behavior

Answer

Maintaining social order

Answer

Protecting individuals

Answer

Promoting cooperation

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of a formal mechanism of social control?

Accepted Answer

Laws and regulations

Answer

Social norms

Answer

Gossip

Answer

Education

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of informal social control?

Accepted Answer

Peer pressure

Answer

Media censorship

Answer

Police enforcement

Answer

Government regulation

Question 6

What is a primary purpose of social control in society?

Accepted Answer

Preserving social order

Answer

Protecting individual freedoms

Answer

Encouraging social disparity

Answer

Suppressing dissenting opinions

Question 7

How do social norms contribute to social control?

Accepted Answer

By defining appropriate behaviors and expectations

Answer

By offering a framework for sanctions

Answer

By encouraging nonconformity

Answer

By being applicable solely in isolated communities

Question 8

Which type of social control utilizes rewards to promote desirable behaviors?

Accepted Answer

Positive sanctions

Answer

Negative sanctions

Answer

Informal social control

Answer

Formal social control

Question 9

In what way does social control contribute to safeguarding individuals?

Accepted Answer

Preventing crime and disorder

Answer

Providing social support

Answer

Boosting economic stability

Answer

Suppressing political dissent

Question 10

Which of the following is an example of formal social control?

Accepted Answer

Laws and regulations

Answer

Informal gossip

Answer

Peer pressure

Answer

Social isolation

Question 11

What is a key function of law enforcement in social control?

Accepted Answer

Enforcing laws and maintaining order

Answer

Providing social aid and support

Answer

Fostering social integration

Answer

Promoting political participation

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of formal social control?

Accepted Answer

Laws and regulations

Answer

Peer pressure

Answer

Social norms

Answer

Religious beliefs

Question 13

How does social control strike a balance between individual freedom and social order?

Accepted Answer

By finding an equilibrium between the two

Answer

By limiting individual choices

Answer

By sacrificing order for freedom

Answer

By prioritizing freedom over order

Question 14

How can social control be adapted to fit changing social norms?

Accepted Answer

By evolving alongside society

Answer

By increasing its rigidity

Answer

By remaining static

Answer

By ignoring social change

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of formal social control?

Accepted Answer

Legal punishments

Answer

Peer pressure

Answer

Religious teachings

Answer

Parental discipline

Question 16

How does social control contribute to social stratification and inequality?

Accepted Answer

Social control reinforces societal norms and values that justify inequality.

Answer

Social control has no impact on social stratification and inequality.

Answer

Social control always challenges social stratification and inequality by promoting social mobility.

Question 17

How can social control be used to create a fairer and more just society?

Accepted Answer

Enforce laws that prevent discrimination.

Answer

Encourage prejudice and bias.

Answer

Suppress dissent and criticism.

Answer

Promote traditional gender roles.

Question 18

How does social control influence the formation and maintenance of social identities?

Accepted Answer

Enforces conformity to social norms

Answer

Promotes individual autonomy and freedom

Answer

Suppresses creativity and self-expression

Answer

Eliminates social inequality and discrimination

Question 19

Which of the following is the formal mechanism of social control that utilizes laws and official sanctions?

Accepted Answer

Institutional control

Answer

Informal control

Answer

Internal control

Answer

External control

Question 20

Select the characteristic that identifies effective social control:

Accepted Answer

Acceptance by the majority

Answer

Reliance on harsh punishment

Answer

Imposition from external authority

Answer

Focus on individual retribution

Question 21

Which type of social control is internalized by individuals, guiding their behavior autonomously?

Accepted Answer

Internal control

Answer

Normative control

Answer

Coercive control

Answer

External control

Question 22

Identify the potential negative consequence of excessive social control:

Accepted Answer

Reduced individual liberty

Answer

Enhanced social order

Answer

Increased group solidarity

Answer

Improved economic performance

Question 23

Which of the following exemplifies informal social control?

Accepted Answer

Public disapproval

Answer

Legal prosecution

Answer

Imprisonment

Answer

Monetary fines

Question 24

Who is primarily credited with the idea that social control is essential for a functioning society?

Accepted Answer

Emile Durkheim

Answer

Karl Marx

Answer

Max Weber

Answer

Talcott Parsons

Question 25

Which of the following is NOT a potential benefit of social control?

Accepted Answer

Promotion of innovative thinking

Answer

Preservation of social order

Answer

Prevention of criminal behavior

Answer

Encouragement of individual conformity

Question 26

Which of the following is a formal mechanism of social control?

Accepted Answer

Laws and regulations

Answer

Education

Answer

Socialization

Answer

Religion

Question 27

Identify a potential negative consequence of social control.

Accepted Answer

Suppression of individual freedom

Answer

Erosion of social trust

Answer

Increased social inequality

Answer

Weakening of social bonds

Question 28

Which theoretical perspective emphasizes the role of power and coercion in social control?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionist theory

Answer

Social control theory

Question 29

Which function of social control raises ethical concerns about its potential for misuse?

Accepted Answer

Potential for misuse and abuse

Answer

Protecting individual rights

Answer

Maintaining social order

Answer

Preventing deviant behavior

Question 30

Which of the following is NOT a potential benefit of social control?

Accepted Answer

Limits personal autonomy and freedom

Answer

Maintains social stability and predictability

Answer

Protects vulnerable individuals from harm

Answer

Promotes social cohesion and cooperation

Question 31

Social control can be exercised through both positive and negative sanctions. Which of the following is an example of a positive sanction?

Accepted Answer

Public recognition and praise

Answer

Imprisonment and fines

Answer

Withdrawal of privileges or rewards

Answer

Social ostracism and isolation

Question 32

In a democratic society, the role of social control is primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Protect individual rights and freedoms while ensuring social stability

Answer

Maintain absolute order and conformity at all costs

Answer

Suppress dissent and enforce obedience to authority

Answer

Control every aspect of citizens' lives and thoughts

Question 33

How have social control mechanisms and processes evolved over time? Analyze the key factors that have influenced these changes.

Accepted Answer

The evolution of social control has been driven by shifting social conditions, values, and technological advancements.

Answer

Social control has remained unchanged throughout history.

Answer

Social control has become more severe and punitive over time.

Answer

Social control has become less intrusive and emphasizes individual freedom.

Question 34

Which of the following is a primary function of social control?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining social order and preventing chaos

Answer

Promoting rapid social change and upheaval

Answer

Encouraging deviance and nonconformity

Answer

Weakening social bonds and connections

Question 35

How does social control contribute to the protection of individuals?

Accepted Answer

By deterring criminal behavior and ensuring safety

Answer

By providing social support and assistance

Answer

By fostering economic equality and opportunity

Answer

By promoting cultural diversity and tolerance

Question 36

Which of the following is a mechanism of social control that operates through informal means?

Accepted Answer

Customs, traditions, and social norms

Answer

Formal laws and regulations

Answer

Police and court systems

Answer

Educational institutions and religious organizations

Question 37

How does social control differ from self-control?

Accepted Answer

Social control is external and enforced by societal norms, while self-control is internal and self-regulated.

Answer

Self-control is more effective than social control.

Answer

Self-control is external and enforced by societal norms, while social control is internal and self-regulated.

Answer

Social control and self-control are the same concept.

Question 38

Which sociological perspective emphasizes the role of social control in maintaining social order?

Accepted Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Rational choice theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Conflict theory

Question 39

Which of the following is a primary function of social control?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining social order by regulating behavior and preventing deviance.

Answer

Encouraging individuality and self-expression.

Answer

Facilitating rapid social change and innovation.

Question 40

How does social control contribute to the protection of individuals?

Accepted Answer

By enforcing laws, punishing deviance, and providing a sense of security.

Answer

By encouraging self-reliance and independence to the point of isolation.

Answer

By fostering a sense of isolation and distrust among individuals.

Answer

By promoting individual rights and freedoms without any restrictions.

Question 41

How does social control influence cooperation within society?

Accepted Answer

By establishing shared values, expectations, and a sense of collective responsibility.

Answer

By encouraging competition and rivalry among individuals.

Answer

By rewarding individual achievements at the expense of cooperation.

Answer

By limiting personal freedoms and autonomy.

Question 42

Which of the following factors can weaken social control?

Accepted Answer

Rapid social change, urbanization, and cultural diversity.

Answer

Clear social norms and values.

Answer

Effective leadership and a strong sense of community.

Answer

Strong family ties and religious institutions.

Question 43

How does social control contribute to the maintenance of social order?

Accepted Answer

By regulating behavior, deterring deviance, and promoting conformity.

Answer

By ensuring equal opportunities for all members of society.

Answer

By promoting social diversity and challenging traditional norms.

Answer

By encouraging individual creativity and self-expression without limits.

Question 44

Which of the following is an example of positive social control?

Accepted Answer

Rewarding individuals for positive behavior and contributions to society.

Answer

Punishing individuals for negative behavior and violations of social norms.

Answer

Encouraging social conformity and discouraging individualistic behavior.

Answer

Isolating and stigmatizing individuals who deviate from social expectations.

Question 45

How can social control have a negative impact on society?

Accepted Answer

By suppressing individual self-expression

Answer

By promoting social harmony

Answer

By ensuring social justice

Answer

By preventing social conflict

Question 46

Which of the following is a goal of social control?

Accepted Answer

To promote conformity and maintain social stability

Answer

To maximize individual freedom and choice

Answer

To encourage social change and conflict

Answer

To eliminate all forms of deviance

Question 47

How does social control affect the behavior of individuals?

Accepted Answer

By shaping their values, beliefs, and expectations

Answer

By controlling their physical environment

Answer

By limiting their access to resources

Question 48

Which of the following is NOT a primary function of social control in society?

Accepted Answer

To promote social disorder

Answer

To maintain order

Answer

To protect individuals

Question 49

Which of the following is an example of formal social control?

Accepted Answer

Laws imposed by legislative authorities

Answer

Customs

Answer

Social norms

Answer

Cultural values

Question 50

Social control agents are individuals or groups responsible for enforcing social norms and values. Which of the following is NOT a typical social control agent?

Accepted Answer

Acquaintances

Answer

Teachers

Answer

Police officers

Question 51

Which of the following is a benefit of social control in society?

Accepted Answer

It promotes social order and stability

Answer

It stifles individual freedom

Answer

It creates social conflict

Question 52

Which of the following is a potential negative consequence of social control?

Accepted Answer

It can lead to the suppression of dissenting views

Answer

It always leads to social harmony

Answer

It promotes individual autonomy

Question 53

The process by which individuals internalize social norms and values and conform to them even in the absence of direct supervision is known as:

Accepted Answer

Socialization

Answer

Social interaction

Answer

Conformity

Question 54

Which of the following is an example of informal social control?

Accepted Answer

Peer pressure

Answer

Government regulations

Answer

Imprisonment

Answer

Legal sanctions

Question 55

The theory of social control proposed by Travis Hirschi suggests that the likelihood of deviance increases when:

Accepted Answer

Social bonds are weak

Answer

Peers are positive role models

Answer

Social opportunities are abundant

Answer

Social norms are strongly enforced

Question 56

Which of the following is NOT a key characteristic of effective social control?

Accepted Answer

It is arbitrary and unpredictable

Answer

It is enforced through legitimate authority

Answer

It is fair and consistent

Answer

It is widely accepted by society