Which term refers to social control executed by authorized agents?

Formal social control refers to mechanisms of social regulation that are established by authorized entities such as governments, law enforcement, and other official institutions. This type of control is codified in laws and regulations that dictate acceptable behavior within society. Examples of formal social control include the criminal justice system, schools, and regulatory agencies, which set standards and enforce compliance through legal penalties, disciplinary actions, or other structured consequences.

In contrast, informal social control encompasses social norms and expectations enforced by peers, family, and community members without formal legal structures. Peer pressure and cultural enforcement are also aspects of informal social control, reflecting how societal expectations can influence behavior without official sanctioning.

Understanding the distinction between formal and informal social control is critical in sociology as it sheds light on how different mechanisms maintain societal order and influence individual behaviors.