Question

Explain the difference between formal and informal social control, and their relationship to social power. Identity two groups of people who hold social power to exercise formal or informal social control.

Answer 1

Formal social control includes written, formalized and codified statements in laws, rules, and regulations. Whereas informal control does not contain any written rules.The informal means of social control grow themselves in society. No special agency is required to create them. The various religious communities like the Jains, Hindus and Brahmins are such examples. The various laws and acts come under the formal social control.The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 has laid down the rules regulating the marriage among Hindus. It has recognized the right of a Hindu woman to divorce her husband.