Which concept relates to actions designed to regulate behavior so that individuals conform to societal expectations?

• A. Environment
• B. Social Welfare
• C. Social Justice
• D. Social Control

Answer: (D)

Social control is the idea that a society uses both formal and informal means to influence how people behave, nudging them to conform to shared norms and laws. This includes formal systems like laws, police, and penalties, as well as informal pressures such as norms, family expectations, peer remarks, and social consequences like praise or shame. Together, these mechanisms keep social order by encouraging predictable, acceptable behavior.

The other terms describe different aims. Environment refers to the surrounding conditions and contexts that affect behavior, rather than the deliberate processes used to regulate it. Social welfare focuses on programs and policies that support people’s well-being, not on enforcing conformity. Social justice deals with fairness and equality in rights and resources, not with mechanisms that push individuals to meet societal expectations.