Punishment as Social Control

Punishment as social control refers to the ways society uses penalties, like fines, imprisonment, or other consequences, to encourage individuals to follow rules and behave appropriately. It helps maintain order by deterring undesirable actions and promoting compliance with norms and laws. By applying consequences to negative behavior, society reinforces expectations and discourages actions that threaten social stability. Essentially, punishment acts as a mechanism to uphold social order and ensure that individuals act in ways that are acceptable within the community.