El control social para el cambio

Summary

This session delves into the concept of social control and its impact on society. It discusses the differences between formal and informal social control, highlighting the roles of various societal institutions such as the government, family, and media. The transcript also explores social deviance and the changing nature of societal norms, including both endogenous and exogenous causes of social change. A key example is the evolution of legal systems, with a focus on the reform of the criminal code as a reflection of societal transformation. Ultimately, it emphasizes the dynamic nature of social control in response to societal changes.

Takeaways

• 😀 Social control is essential for the organization and functioning of societies, ensuring that behaviors align with societal norms and values.
• 😀 Social control can be both **formal** (imposed by the state through laws and institutions) and **informal** (exerted by societal agents like family, school, and media).
• 😀 **Formal social control** is enforced by legal institutions such as police, judiciary, and through the creation and enforcement of laws.
• 😀 **Informal social control** relies on societal pressure rather than legal enforcement, often through cultural norms and social expectations.
• 😀 Deviant behavior refers to actions that do not conform to societal norms, and can disrupt the functioning of society if extreme enough.
• 😀 The distinction between **deviance** and **variance** is important: variance involves behaviors within the cultural norm, while deviance disrupts social harmony.
• 😀 Social change is the evolution of societal norms, values, and structures, and is constantly occurring in any society.
• 😀 **Endogenous** social change occurs from within the society, while **exogenous** change results from external influences, such as global events or pandemics.
• 😀 The COVID-19 pandemic is cited as an example of **exogenous** change that led to significant transformations in social structures and legal frameworks.
• 😀 Legal systems, such as the **penal code**, reflect societal changes and adapt to evolving social norms, ensuring that laws remain relevant and effective.
• 😀 Social control is dynamic, and legal systems must be flexible enough to respond to societal changes in order to remain effective.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the session in the transcript?

The session focuses on the concept of social control, its forms (formal and informal), and how it interacts with social change in society.

How does the transcript define social control?

Social control is defined as the practices, attitudes, and values aimed at maintaining established order in societies through laws, religion, political institutions, and even media.

What is the difference between formal and informal social control?

Formal social control is exerted by state institutions such as law enforcement and the judiciary, while informal social control comes from societal institutions like family and schools, without the use of force.

Can you provide an example of informal social control?

An example of informal social control is the pressure a family or school might exert on an individual to behave in a socially acceptable manner, without legal or institutional enforcement.

What role does the state play in formal social control?

The state plays a significant role in formal social control by using legal institutions like the police, courts, and judicial bodies to enforce laws and regulate behavior.

How do citizens contribute to formal social control?

Citizens can contribute to formal social control by using rights such as petitioning, requesting public consultations, and participating in citizens' oversight, ensuring state institutions remain accountable.

What is social deviance, and how is it different from mere social variation?

Social deviance refers to behaviors that violate societal norms, potentially disrupting the normal functioning of society. In contrast, social variation includes behaviors that differ from norms but do not necessarily disrupt society.

What is the connection between social change and social control?

Social change leads to the evolution of societal norms and values, which in turn requires adjustments in social control mechanisms, such as legal reforms to address new societal realities.

What is the difference between endogenous and exogenous social change?

Endogenous social change originates within society, driven by internal factors, while exogenous social change is triggered by external factors, such as global events or pandemics.

How does the Penal Code reflect changes in social control and social change?

The Penal Code, through reforms like those introduced in 1991, reflects the state's adaptation to changing societal needs and values, demonstrating how social control mechanisms evolve in response to social change.