How is "social control" defined?

The concept of "social control" is accurately defined as the mechanisms, strategies, and institutions that regulate individual behavior in society. This understanding is rooted in sociology, where social control is seen as essential for maintaining order and cohesion within a group. It includes various means through which societies attempt to ensure conformity to established norms and values, such as laws, norms, and informal social sanctions.

In this context, social control serves several functions: it helps to establish expectations for behavior, fosters social order, and limits deviance by providing incentives for individuals to adhere to societal standards. This can be seen in various forms, such as legal regulations, informal social pressures, and the roles of institutions like family, education, and religion in guiding behavior.

Other options present ideas that do not align with the established definition of social control. For instance, promoting economic growth does not specifically pertain to regulating behavior, and encouraging rebellion against norms or focusing on personal freedom suggests a derailment from the concept of control, which is centered on regulation and conformity rather than liberation or dissent.