What does "social control" mean in criminology?

"Social control" refers to the ways in which society regulates individual behavior through established norms, values, and expectations. This concept encompasses both formal and informal mechanisms, including laws, social norms, and community practices that shape how individuals interact and conform to societal standards.

In criminology, social control is crucial because it helps to maintain order and prevent deviant behavior. When individuals internalize societal expectations and are influenced by community standards, they are more likely to adhere to behaviors deemed acceptable or encouraged by society, thereby reducing criminal activity.

The other options touch on aspects related to crime and societal regulation but do not fully encapsulate the breadth of "social control." For instance, mechanisms that punish criminal behavior focus mainly on formal punitive responses, while regulations for public safety emphasize protective measures without addressing the underlying influence of societal norms. Meanwhile, legal systems that define crime are limited to the frameworks for what constitutes criminal behavior, lacking the broader social interaction aspect encompassed by social control.