What describes informal social control?

Informal social control refers to the ways in which individuals and groups enforce norms and expectations without formal mechanisms or legal systems. This type of control is primarily exerted through social interactions and relationships, particularly among peers, family, and community members. These social influences help to shape behavior and promote conformity through acceptance, disapproval, and even gossip.

The role of peers and family is critical in this context, as they communicate expectations and provide feedback that can either reinforce or discourage certain behaviors. For instance, a family or peer group might disapprove of illegal activities, leading individuals to conform to social norms for fear of social penalties such as ostracism or loss of acceptance.

The other options—established legal procedures, enforcement by police, and judicial oversight—are all elements of formal social control. They involve structured rules and regulations enforced by designated authorities, in contrast to the more organic and communal nature of informal social control.