Space for Learner

BLOCK IV:
SOCIAL CONTROL AND SOCIAL ORDER

Unit 1 : Social Control

Unit 2 : Types of Social Control
Unit 3 : Social Order
Unit 4 : Theories of ‘Unity of Society’

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Space for Learner UNIT- 1
SOCIAL CONTROL

Unit Structure:
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Objectives
1.3 Concept of Social Control
1.4 Nature of Social Control
1.5 Purpose of Social Control
1.6 Summing Up
1.7 Questions and Exercises
1.8 References and Suggested Readings

1.1 Introduction:
The term, ‘social control, is widely used in sociology to refer to the
social processes by which the behaviour of individuals or groups is regulated.
Social control is necessary for an orderly social life. The society must
regulate and pattern individual behaviour to maintain normative social order.
Without social control the organisation of the society is about to get
disturbed. If the individual is effectively socialised, he confirms to the accepted
ways from force of habit as well as from his desire of being accepted and
approved by other persons.

1.2 Objectives:
After the discussion of this unit, the learner will be able to–
· define and understand the concepts of social control,
· understand the nature of social control,
· explain the purpose of social control.

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1.3 Concept of Social Control: Space for Learner

Social system is a condition of balance between dynamics and statics.

Extremely rapid change gives a sudden break to the established social
system. By the time people adopt themselves to the changed circumstances
a new change is already knocking at their doors. This process gives rise to
instability, disharmony, lack of adoption and disintegration. The method
that society adopts to run the system smoothly is called social control. It is
a process through which the society remains stable and organized.
Psychologically social control is a process of strengthening approved habit
system, extinguishing those disapproved and thereby reducing those anxieties
and angers to the dominant portion of the society which serve no useful
social purpose.
According to E.A. Ross, “Social control refers to the system
of devices whereby society brings its members into conformity with
the accepted standards of behavior.

CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

Que. 1: Define the concept of social control.
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.........................................................................................................
Que. 2: Discuss the characteristics of social control.
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1.4 Nature of Social Control:

Ø Social control is a universal process, where there is society there is
social control.
Ø Social control helps to bring stability and maintain social order in
the society.
Ø Social control regards social values and patterns so that the balance
of the society continues.

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Space for Learner Ø Social control helps in strengthening approved habit system within
the individuals.
Ø Social control helps society to be organized and well managed.

STOP TO CONSIDER
Social control is a process through which the society remains stable
and organized. Psychologically social control is a process of
strengthening approved habit system, extinguishing those disapproved
and thereby reducing those societies and angers to the dominant
portion of the society which serve no useful social purpose. Social
control helps society to be organized and well managed.

1.5 Purpose of Social Control:

Social control aims at bringing about conformity, solidarity and
continuity of a particular group or society. Social control attempts to achieve
the following purposes:
Ø To bring the behaviour of individuals and groups in tune with the
established norms of society.
Ø To bring solidarity and uniformity in the social organizations.
Ø To establish stability in the social relations.
Ø To exercise control over social tensions and conflicts.
Ø To provide fair and equal chances for cooperation and competition
to all individuals, groups, and institutions to realise their goals.
Ø To facilitate appreciation and rewarding of champions of social cause
and take punitive actions against anti-social elements.
Ø Bringing desired modifications in the social milieu, especially effecting
required changes in the means and agencies of social control.
Ø Providing for the protection and promotion of the interests of the
weak and vulnerable sections of society.

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 Space for Learner
CHECK YOUR PROGRESS
Que. 3: Discuss the nature of social control.
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.........................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................
Que. 4: Discuss the purpose of social control.
.........................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................

1.6 Summing Up:

Ø The term, ‘social control, is widely used in sociology to refer to the
social processes by which the behaviour of individuals or groups is
regulated.
Ø Social control is a process through which the society remains stable
and organized.
Ø Social control regards social values and patterns so that the balance
of the society continues.
Ø Social control helps in strengthening approved habit system within
the individuals.

1.7 Questions and Exercises:

· Short answer question:
1. What do you mean by social control?
· Long answer questions:
1. Define social control. Mention the nature of social control.
2. Discuss the purpose of social control.

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Space for Learner 1.8 References and Suggested Readings:
1. Brown F. J. (1961) “Educational Sociology” Second Edition,
Prentice- Hall, INC, Englewood Cliffs, N.J. Charles E. Tuttle
Company, Tokyo
2. Bookover, W.B., (1955): A sociology of Education, New York,
American Book Co.,
3. Chaube, S.P. & Chaube, A. (1990): Philosophical and sociological
Foundation of Education,Vinod Pustak Mandir, Agra-2
4. Kuppuswamy, B. (1972) Social Change in India, Konark
Publishers, Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi
5. Mathur, S.S: A Sociological Approach to Indian Education, Vinod
Pustak Mandir, Agra 2
6. Ogburn William F. and Nimkoff Meyer F. (1979) : “A Handbook of
Sociology” Eurasia Publishing House (PVT) LTD. Ram Nagar, New
Delhi-55
7. Rao, C.N. Shankar. (2013): “Sociology of Indian Society”.S.Chand
and Company Pvt. Ltd, New Delhi.
8. Ruhela, S.P. & K.V. Vyas, Sociological Foundations of Education
in Contemporary India, New Delhi, Dhanpat Rai Publishers, 1969
9. Saikia, Polee (2019) Sociological Foundations of Education, DVS
Publishers, Panbazar, Guwahati
10. Sharma, R.N. “Philosophy and Sociology of Education”. Surjeet
Publications
11. egyankosh.ac.in › bitstreamPDFunit 5 social control - eGyanKosh

—×—

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 UNIT- 2 Space for Learner

TYPES OF SOCIAL CONTROL

Unit Structure:
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Objectives
2.3 Types of Social Control
2.4 Agencies of Social Control
2.5 Summing Up
2.6 Questions and Exercises
2.7 References and Suggested Readings

2.1 Introduction:
The term, ‘social control, is widely used in sociology to refer to the
social processes by which the behaviour of individuals or groups is regulated.
Social control is necessary for an orderly social life. The society must
regulate and pattern individual behaviour to maintain normative social order.
Without social control the organisation of the society is about to get
disturbed. However, in the previous unit you have understood the concept
and nature of social control also you are able to explain the purpose of
social control.

2.2 Objectives:
After the discussion of this unit, you will be able to–
· understand the types of social control,
· understand the agencies of social control.

2.3 Types of Social Control:

A. Karl Mannheim classified social control into following two types:
1. Direct Social Control: It is the control that exercises upon the
individual by the reactions of the people who are living within the
proximity. E.g., Family, neighbourhood and play group.

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Space for Learner 2. Indirect Social Control: This is the type of control which is exercised
upon individual by the factors like customs, laws, opinions, which
affects the entire social system. E.g., Secondary groups, traditions,
customs etc.

B. Types of social control as given by Gurvitch:

According to Gurvitch social control is of the following four types:—
1. Organised Social Control:
In this type of social control, the behaviour of the individual is regulated
either through voluntary means or through democratic ways. This is done
through natural ways of social control.
2. Unorganised Social Control:
This social control is exercised by values of culture and usages, traditions,
fashion, symbol etc. This is an elastic type of social control and is related to
day-to-day life.
3. Spontaneous Social Control:
This type of social control is exercised by ideas, rules and regulations, values,
norms etc.
4. More spontaneous Social Control:
Social control that is exercised by direct social and group experience, such
as, aspirations, decisions, desires, etc., is called more spontaneous social
control.

CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

Que. 1: Discuss the different types of social control.
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.........................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................

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 Space for Learner
STOP TO CONSIDER
Social control is a process through which the society remains stable
and organized. Psychologically social control is a process of
strengthening approved habit system, extinguishing those disapproved
and thereby reducing those societies and angers to the dominant portion
of the society which serve no useful social purpose. Social control
helps society to be organized and well managed.

2.4 Agencies of Social Control:

Agencies are the instruments by which social control is exercised.
Agency refers to those groups, organisations and authorities that are
responsible for implementing social control in an effective manner. They
have the ultimate say as to what is to be implemented and what is not to be
implemented. Agencies use both the means- formal as well as informal.
Family, educational institutions and the state are the agencies of social control.
A brief discussion of these is attempted below:––

1) Family: Family is the most fundamental agency of the social control.

Family refers to the smallest social grouping whose members
are united by bonds of kinship. Family consists of two mature
adults of opposite sex who live together in a union (marriage)
accepted by the society, along with their unmarried children.
It may also’ be defined as a social group characterised by
common dwelling, economic cooperation, and reproduction.
Family is universal in the sense that there has never been a
society in which Family in one form or the other has not
existed. It is the primary institution of socialization. The person
is born in a family and dies in a family. Family does not only
play an important role during an individual’s lifetime but also
plays its role before the person is born and after the death of
the person. Parents in the family control the behaviour of
their children by making them learn what is right and wrong.
They tell them which behaviour is desirable and which is
undesirable. Family also inculcates the social values in the

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Space for Learner child. At various stages of life, family comes to the rescue of
a person. Family as a primary group moulds the behaviour
of the children as the parents are the first to influence the
child’s behaviour and development.

2) Education:Educational institutions are another important agency of social

control. Transmission of knowledge by either formal or
informal methods is the function of education. Although
education is usually thought of in terms of formal schooling,
effective training for the individual’s role as both of a group
member and independent person is a continuous process.
The primary function of the process of education is to pass
on the knowledge from generation to generation for the
development of culture. In all periods of human society, a
stimulus to creative thinking and action, which accounts in
part for culture change, has been inherent. Education develops
individual’s personality and makes him/her learn behaviour
patterns. Further, it equips an individual to distinguish between
just and unjust, right, and wrong. Man is what he is only
because of his socialization and education. Educational
institutions play an important role in children’s development.
How to interact with their fellow beings, how to present oneself
before one’s seniors, how to regard family members, teachers
and other persons in society, how to develop health, traditional
practices and habits, how to make adjustment with others in
life, are all learnt through education by the persons. Education
also develops, power of self-control. It transforms human
beings into ideal citizens by acquainting them with the social
facts. It rationalizes the human behaviour and increases the
analytical capacity of humans. It empowers people to face
the hardships of life. In nutshell, the human qualities and traits
are developed by education. Thus, education plays an
important role in controlling human behaviour throughout the
life of the individuals.

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3) State: State is one of the secondary agencies of social control. It is Space for Learner
a political form of human association by which society is
organized under the agency of government that has legitimate
sovereignty over a territorial area, authority over all the
members of the society and absolute right to use force
whenever necessary in order to control the behaviour of its
members. State is an organised and formal system of social
control. State controls the human behaviour by an arrangement
of law, police, jail, judiciary, government, military intelligence
department. It crushes the power of those who do not
conform. It gives the welfare of its members as a top priority
and arranges for their lively hood employment. In the complex
societies of today, the role of state in maintaining social control
is paramount. People obey the state orders because they
either know that these are. in their interest or that if they do
not obey, they will be penalised and punished as per law of
the state. Thus, they act in conformity with the orders of the
state which helps in maintaining social control.

CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

Que. 2: Discuss the different agencies of social control.
.........................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................

2.5 Summing Up:

Ø Social control is necessary for an orderly social life. The society
must regulate and pattern individual behaviour to maintain normative
social order.
Ø Karl Mannheim classified two types of social control as direct and
indirect social control.

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Space for Learner Ø Gurvitch classified four types of social control, i.e., Organised social
control, Unorganised social control, Spontaneous social control,
and more spontaneous social control.

Ø Family, educational institutions and the state are the agencies of

social control.

Ø Family is the most fundamental agency of the social control. Family

refers to the smallest social grouping whose members are united by
bonds of kinship.

Ø Parents in the family control the behaviour of their children by making

them learn what is right and wrong. They tell them which behaviour
is desirable and which is undesirable.

Ø Family also inculcates the social values in the child. At various stages
of life, family comes to the rescue of a person. Family as a primary
group moulds the behaviour of the children as the parents are the
first to influence the child’s behaviour and development.

Ø Educational institutions are another important agency of social

control. Transmission of knowledge by either formal or informal
methods is the function of education.

Ø Educational institutions play an important role in children’s

development. How to interact with their fellow beings, how to present
oneself before one’s seniors, how to regard family members, teachers
and other persons in society, how to develop health, traditional
practices and habits, how to make adjustment with others in life,
are all learnt through education by the persons.

Ø State is an organised and formal system of social control. State

controls the human behaviour by an arrangement of law, police,
jail, judiciary, government, military intelligence department.

2.6 Questions and Exercises:

1. Discuss the different types of social control.
2. Discuss the different agencies of social control.

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2.7 References and Suggested Readings: Space for Learner

1. Brown F. J. (1961) “Educational Sociology” Second Edition,

Prentice- Hall, INC, Englewood Cliffs, N.J. Charles E. Tuttle
Company, Tokyo
2. Bookover, W.B., (1955): A sociology of Education, New York,
American Book Co.,
3. Chaube, S.P. & Chaube, A. (1990): Philosophical and
sociological Foundation of Education,Vinod Pustak Mandir,
Agra-2
4. Kuppuswamy, B. (1972) Social Change in India, Konark
Publishers, Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi
5. Mathur, S.S: A Sociological Approach to Indian Education,
Vinod Pustak Mandir, Agra 2
6. Ogburn William F. and Nimkoff Meyer F. (1979) : “A Handbook
of Sociology” Eurasia Publishing House (PVT) LTD. Ram Nagar,
New Delhi-55
7. Rao, C.N. Shankar. (2013): “Sociology of Indian
Society”.S.Chand and Company Pvt. Ltd, New Delhi.
8. Ruhela, S.P. & K.V. Vyas, Sociological Foundations of
Education in Contemporary India, New Delhi, Dhanpat Rai
Publishers, 1969
9. Saikia, Polee (2019) Sociological Foundations of Education,
DVS Publishers, Panbazar, Guwahati
10. Sharma, R.N. “Philosophy and Sociology of Education”. Surjeet
Publications
11. egyankosh.ac.in › bitstreamPDFunit 5 social control - eGyanKos

—×—

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Space for Learner UNIT- 3
SOCIAL ORDER

Unit Structure:
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Objectives
3.3 Concept and Definition of Social Order
3.3.1 Nature of Social Order
3.3.2 Approaches of Social Order
3.3.3 Problems of Social Order
3.4 Summing Up
3.5 Questions and Exercises
3.6 References and Suggested Readings

3.1 Introduction:
Social order refers to the ways in which people and groups in a
society interact and maintain stability and cohesion. Social order is a
fundamental concept in sociology that refers to the way in which the various
components of society social structure and institutions, social relations, social
interactions and behavior, and cultural features such as, beliefs, norms and
values work together to maintain the status quo.

3.2 Objectives:
After the discussion of this unit, you will be able to–
· understand about the concept and nature of social order,
· understand about the approaches of social order,
· analyse the problems of social order.

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3.3 Concept and Definition of Social Order: Space for Learner

The term ‘Order’ refers to normal functioning. Social order implies

the orderliness in the behavior and activities of people of the society. Social
order depends on social stability. No order is possible without stability or
continuity of the society. For the smooth functioning of our family life in all
our daily activities we follow a routine order or a regular pattern. Like
individuals, for the smooth functioning of the society all the parts of the
society, that is social organizations and associations must maintain a regular
order in their daily activities. So, social implies social stability and equilibrium
of social forces.
The concept of “Social Order” has been discussed by- Talcott
Parsons (1939), Ogburn & Nimkoff (1940) and Kingsley Davis (1949).
These writers hold that “Social Order” is a blanket concept which includes
the concepts of social system, social structure, social organizations and
their functions.
According to Ogburn & Nimkoff, “Order in society consists
of the groupings of persons and the arrangements of their behavior.”

3.3.1 Nature of Social Order:

Ø Social order depends on social stability. No order is possible without
stability or continuity of the society.
Ø Social order or orderliness in social behaviour is a universal
characteristic.
Ø Social order depends on changes also. If the change is too slow or
inefficient, the social system will decay. If the change is too rapid
the system may lose the thread of order that made it a system.
Ø Socialization and social control maintain social order in society.

CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

Que. 1: Define the concept of social order.
.........................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................

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Space for Learner
Que. 2: Discuss the nature of social order.
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.........................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................

3.3.2 Approaches of Social Order:

The concept of ‘social order’ has been explained and interpreted by different
scholars in differ-ent ways. Three main approaches or explanations may be
identified: (a) the utilitarian approach, (b) the cultural approach, and (c) the
compulsion approach.
(a) The Utilitarian Approach suggests that it is in self-interest of all
individuals to maintain social order. This is especially true in complex
societies where division of labour is high and people are
interdependent. Utilitarianism has more influence on economic theories
rather than on sociological ones.
(b) The Cultural Approach stresses the role of shared norms and values.
This approach is also known as “value-consensus approach”.
Durkheim and Talcott Parsons have been the influential sociological
exponents of value-consensus approach. This approach states that
the ‘unity of society’ or its ‘order’ arises naturally from the relations
among men. These relations of the people are gov-erned by sets of
shared rules and values. A network of rules and values stabilizes
peoples’ relation-ships and contributes to the unity and solidarity of
the group or society. The exercise of social control helps to sustain
this solidarity.
(c) The Compulsion Approach or Conflict View emphasises power
and domination of vari-ous types — military, judicial, spiritual, and
economic. It also stresses the capacity of those who domi-nate to
enforce order. According to this approach, different people are placed
in different positions in society. By virtue of these positions they
develop different interests, different experiences, and divergent
outlooks on the world.
These differences become so extreme that any action or policy
intended for the benefit of one group or category may threaten the well-

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being of others. Hence the unity of any society is, therefore, to be seen as Space for Learner
an outcome of the struggle by those who want to maintain status quo against
the interests of those who want change.
The exercise of social control here means the wish of one group to
keep society in status quo, despite the desire of others for change. Among
the sociological theorists, Karl Marx and Max Weber have been the chief
expo-nents of this approach. But these theorists have not denied the
contributory role of values.

3.3.3 Problems of Social Order:

In sociology, social order refers to the ways in which people and
groups in a society interact and maintain stability and cohesion. However,
social order is not always perfect, and there are several problems that can
arise within it. Here are some common problems of social order in sociology:
Ø Social Inequality: One of the most significant problems of social
order is social inequality. In many societies, there are disparities in
wealth, power, and resources among different social groups. These
inequalities can lead to tensions, conflicts, and social unrest. They
can also affect individuals’ access to opportunities and social mobility.
Ø Deviance and Crime: Deviance refers to behavior that violates
social norms and expectations. When deviance escalates to the
level of violating laws, it becomes crime. Deviance and crime can
disrupt social order by challenging established norms, values, and
rules. They can lead to feelings of insecurity and fear within a society.
Ø Social Conflicts: Social conflicts arise when different groups or
individuals have incompatible interests, goals, or values. These
conflicts can be based on various factors such as social class, race,
ethnicity, religion, gender, or political ideologies. Social conflicts
can disrupt social order by causing tension, hostility, and even
violence between groups.
Ø Social Change: While social change is essential for societal
progress, it can also create disruptions in social order. When
established norms, values, and institutions undergo significant

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Space for Learner transformations, it can lead to resistance, conflicts, and uncertainty.
Social change can challenge existing power structures and create a
sense of instability and disorientation.
Ø Marginalization and Exclusion: Marginalized groups, such as
racial or ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, or those living
in poverty, often face social exclusion and discrimination. When
certain groups are systematically excluded from participating fully
in social, economic, and political life, it can lead to social unrest and
conflicts. Marginalization and exclusion hinder social order by
creating divisions and inequalities within society.

STOP TO CONSIDER
Social order refers to the ways in which people and groups in a society
interact and maintain stability and cohesion. Some common problems
of social order in sociology are: social inequality, deviance and crime,
social conflict, social change etc.

3.4 Summing Up:

Ø Social order implies the orderliness in the behavior and activities of
people of the society. Social order depends on social stability.
Ø Social order or orderliness in social behaviour is a universal
characteristic.
Ø The main approaches of social order may be identified as: (a) the
utilitarian approach, (b) the cultural approach, and (c) the compulsion
approach.
Ø Some common problems of social order in sociology are: social
inequality, deviance and crime, social conflict, social change etc.

3.5 Questions and Exercises:

· Short answer questions:
1. What do you mean by social order?
2. Mention the nature of social order?

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· Long answer questions: Space for Learner

1. Discuss the approaches of social order.

2. Discuss the problems of social order.

3.6 References and Suggested Readings:

1. Brown F. J. (1961) “Educational Sociology” Second Edition,
Prentice- Hall, INC, Englewood Cliffs, N.J. Charles E. Tuttle
Company, Tokyo
2. Bookover, W.B., (1955): A sociology of Education, New York,
American Book Co.,
3. Chaube, S.P. & Chaube, A. (1990): Philosophical and
sociological Foundation of Education,Vinod Pustak Mandir,
Agra-2
4. Kuppuswamy, B. (1972) Social Change in India, Konark
Publishers, Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi
5. Mathur, S.S: A Sociological Approach to Indian Education,
Vinod Pustak Mandir, Agra 2
6. Ogburn William F. and Nimkoff Meyer F. (1979) : “A Handbook
of Sociology” Eurasia Publishing House (PVT) LTD. Ram Nagar,
New Delhi-55
7. Rao, C.N. Shankar. (2013): “Sociology of Indian
Society”.S.Chand and Company Pvt. Ltd, New Delhi.
8. Ruhela, S.P. & K.V. Vyas, Sociological Foundations of
Education in Contemporary India, New Delhi, Dhanpat Rai
Publishers, 1969
9. Saikia, Polee (2019) Sociological Foundations of Education,
DVS Publishers, Panbazar, Guwahati
10. Sharma, R.N. “Philosophy and Sociology of Education”. Surjeet
Publications
11. egyankosh.ac.in › bitstreamPDFunit 5 social control - eGyanKosh

—×—
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Space for Learner UNIT- 4
THEORIES OF ‘UNITY OF SOCIETY’

Unit Structure:
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Objectives
4.3 Value Consensus Theory
4.4 Conflict Theory
4.5 Summing Up
4.6 Questions and Exercises
4.7 References and Suggested Readings

4.1 Introduction:

Value consensus theory and conflict theory are two important

perspectives in sociology that provide different insights into social dynamics
and the functioning of societies. While they offer contrasting views, both
theories contribute to our understanding of social order and change. Both
value consensus theory and conflict theory offer valuable insights into different
aspects of society. While value consensus theory emphasizes social
integration and cohesion, conflict theory focuses on power dynamics and
social inequalities. Understanding both perspectives helps sociologists gain
a more comprehensive understanding of social structures, dynamics, and
processes.

4.2 Objectives:

After the discussion of this unit, you will be able to––

· understand about the Value Consensus Theory,

· understand about the Conflict Theory.

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4.3 Value Consensus Theory: Space for Learner

The “Value Consensus” theory in sociology, also known as

consensus theory, is a perspective that focuses on the idea that societies are
held together by shared values, norms, and beliefs. This theory emphasizes
the integration and stability of social systems rather than conflict and division.
Here are some key points and concepts associated with the Value Consensus
theory:

Social Integration: Value Consensus theorists argue that societies function

smoothly when there is a high degree of social integration, which means that
individuals within a society share common values and norms. This integration
helps maintain social order and stability.

Durkheim’s Functionalism: Émile Durkheim, a prominent sociologist, is

often associated with the Value Consensus theory. He believed that social
institutions and norms serve important functions in maintaining social cohesion
and preventing deviant behavior. For example, he argued that religion helps
bind people together by providing a shared moral framework.

The view point of the consensus theorists is that societies are in

some ways like biological organisms. They are composed of many distinct
but interdependent parts and each parts makes some contribution to the
survival of the whole. The parts also keep equilibrium. If any part is disturbed
others react to bring back the equilibrium. To keep the equilibrium the
societies, adapt to the physical environment, maintain adequate levels of
production, organize distribution, provide services, control aggression etc.
But it must be remembered that the social institutions are not biological
organs and the member of the society are not like biological cells. Hence
the analogy of human organism cannot be overdrawn.

Shared Values: According to this theory, individuals in a society agree on

a set of core values and beliefs. These values guide their behavior and
interactions with others. When people deviate from these shared values, it
can lead to social problems.

Social Solidarity: Value Consensus theorists stress the importance of social

solidarity, which is the sense of unity and connection among members of a
society. This solidarity is said to arise from shared values and norms.

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Space for Learner Conflict as Anomalous: While Value Consensus theory generally focuses
on social integration and stability, it does acknowledge that conflicts and
deviations from the norm can occur. However, such conflicts are often seen
as anomalies or temporary disruptions in an otherwise harmonious social
order.
Critics Critiques of the Value Consensus theory argue that it can be
overly idealistic and simplistic. They contend that societies are often marked
by conflicts, inequalities, and power struggles, which this theory tends to,
downplay or overlook. Marxist and conflict theorists, for example, provide
alternative perspectives that emphasize the role of class struggle and inequality
in society.
In summary, the Value Consensus theory in sociology posits that
societies are held together by shared values, norms, and beliefs, and it
emphasizes the importance of social integration and stability. While this
perspective provides valuable insights into how societies maintain order
and cohesion, it has been criticized for not adequately addressing the conflicts
and inequalities present in many societies.

CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

Que. 1: Discuss value consensus theory.
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.........................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................

STOP TO CONSIDER
The “Value Consensus” theory in sociology, also known as consensus
theory, is a perspective that focuses on the idea that societies are held
together by shared values, norms, and beliefs. This theory emphasizes
the integration and stability of social systems rather than conflict and
division.

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4.4 Conflict Theory: Space for Learner

The conflict theory draws its original inspiration from the works of
Karl Marx. In contrast to functionalists’ emphasis on stability and consensus,
conflict sociologists see the social world in continual struggle. As such the
Marxist theory offers a radical alternative to functionalism. The conflict theory
assumes that the societies are in a constant state of change, in which conflict
is a permanent feature. A.W. Green defined that it is an ever-present process
in human relationship. Conflict includes tension, severe competition, hostility,
disagreement over goals and values etc. Conflict is regarded as a constant
process and an inevitable part of social life.

Karl Marx viewed that society is full of conflict between the social
classes. It is not merely a class phenomenon but a part of everyday life in all
societies. The sociologists are concerned with conflicts between men and
women, parents and children, cities and villages, rich and poor, upper castes,
and the lower castes and so on. The conflict theory of sociology tries to
study how social institutions like family, government, religion, education,
and media may provide help in maintaining the privileges of some groups
and keep others in a subservient position.

It became increasingly influential in sociology during the 1970’s,

partly because of the decline of functionalism, partly because it promised to
provide answers that functionalism failed to provide, and partly because it
was more in keeping with the times. Although highly critical of Capitalism,
Marx did consider that it would help to develop technology that would free
people from material need and as such it would be possible to establish
successful communist societies in which the needs of all their members were
met.

Conflict theories are primarily concerned with the kinds of changes

in the society that conflict can bring about. Educational sociology helps us
to adjust to such changes in content to education. Change is a never-ending
phenomenon in society and conflict may arise only for this change which
influences the society to a great extent. Therefore, conflict theory has a
great importance on bringing stability, maintaining social order and maintains
social control in the society.

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Space for Learner
STOP TO CONSIDER
The conflict theory assumes that the societies are in a constant state of
change, in which conflict is a permanent feature. The conflict theory
draws its original inspiration from the works of Karl Marx. Conflict
theories are primarily concerned with the kinds of changes in the society
that conflict can bring about. Educational sociology helps us to adjust
to such changes in content to education. Therefore, conflict theory has
a great importance on bringing stability, maintaining social order and
maintains social control in the society.

4.5 Summing Up:

Ø The Value Consensus theory, also known as consensus theory, is a
sociological perspective that emphasizes the existence of shared
values, norms, and beliefs within a society.
Ø This theory posits that societies are held together and maintain
stability because individuals within them largely agree on fundamental
values and rules.
Ø The conflict theorists also stress the pervasiveness of social change.
Ø The conflict theorists consider that the social institutions and groups
work at cross purposes to each other.
Ø Conflict theory has a great importance on bringing stability,
maintaining social order and maintains social control in the society.

4.6 Questions and Exercises:

1. Discuss about value consensus theory.
2. Discuss about conflict theory.

4.7 References and Suggested Readings:

1. Brown F. J. (1961) “Educational Sociology” Second Edition,
Prentice- Hall, INC, Englewood Cliffs, N.J. Charles E. Tuttle
Company, Tokyo

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2. Bookover, W.B., (1955): A sociology of Education, New York, Space for Learner
American Book Co.,
3. Chaube, S.P. & Chaube, A. (1990): Philosophical and
sociological Foundation of Education,Vinod Pustak Mandir,
Agra-2
4. Kuppuswamy, B. (1972) Social Change in India, Konark
Publishers, Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi
5. Mathur, S.S: A Sociological Approach to Indian Education,
Vinod Pustak Mandir, Agra 2
6. Ogburn William F. and Nimkoff Meyer F. (1979) : “A Handbook
of Sociology” Eurasia Publishing House (PVT) LTD. Ram Nagar,
New Delhi-55
7. Rao, C.N. Shankar. (2013): “Sociology of Indian
Society”.S.Chand and Company Pvt. Ltd, New Delhi.
8. Ruhela, S.P. & K.V. Vyas, Sociological Foundations of
Education in Contemporary India, New Delhi, Dhanpat Rai
Publishers, 1969
9. Saikia, Polee (2019) Sociological Foundations of Education,
DVS Publishers, Panbazar, Guwahati
10. Sharma, R.N. “Philosophy and Sociology of Education”. Surjeet
Publications
11. egyankosh.ac.in › bitstreamPDFunit 5 social control - eGyanKosh

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