Social control refers to the various ways in which society regulates individual behavior to maintain order and conformity. This can include laws, norms, and expectations that guide how people act in different situations. For example, laws against theft help ensure that individuals respect each other's property, while social norms encourage polite behavior in public settings. There are two main types of social control: formal and informal. Formal social control involves established institutions, like the legal system and police, that enforce rules and punish violations. In contrast, informal social control relies on community expectations and peer pressure, such as friends encouraging each other to behave appropriately in social situations.