Introductory Sociology CLEP Prep Practice Exam

Social control refers to the mechanisms, strategies, and institutions society employs to regulate individual behavior and maintain social order. The primary goal of social control is to enforce societal norms and maintain predictable behavioral patterns among members of a community or society. This can be achieved through formal means, such as laws and regulations, as well as informal means like social norms and expectations that guide behavior.

The enforcement of societal norms helps to unify individuals by establishing standards of behavior that are accepted and expected within a culture. This contributes to social stability and cohesion, ensuring that individuals can coexist peacefully and work towards common societal goals.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately reflect the aims of social control. For instance, the elimination of all personal freedoms would undermine the very fabric of society by creating a dystopian environment that stifles individual expression. Guaranteeing equal opportunities is more closely related to social justice and equality than social control, which focuses on behavior regulation. Likewise, the promotion of social diversity is about valuing and accepting differences rather than enforcing conformity to societal norms, which is a key aspect of social control.