Social control refers to the mechanisms, strategies, and institutions that societies use to regulate individual behavior and maintain social order. It includes both formal means, such as laws and regulations enforced by the government, and informal means, like social norms and expectations upheld by family and community. These controls help ensure that individuals conform to the values and rules of their society, promoting stability and cohesion. Examples of social control can be seen in law enforcement, educational systems, and peer pressure, all of which influence how people behave and interact within their communities.