Evaluate issues of social control from social and biological psychology. - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 16 - 2020 - Paper 1

Exercising social control can be a conscious decision by individuals in positions of power to influence behaviors in others. This often manifests in hierarchical situations where authority figures dictate acceptable behavior.

Studying factors that influence obedience gives insight into mechanisms for preventing unacceptable behavior. For example, Milgram's experiments in 1963 illustrated how authority can compel individuals to perform actions contrary to their moral beliefs.

Biological explanations can support the social control of minority or deviant groups, such as individuals involved in criminal activity. These perspectives argue that some behaviors may be inherently predisposed or determined by biological factors.

Certain biological classifications could mean individuals are more susceptible to control or manipulation, particularly in high-stress environments. This can often lead to a lack of agency in their decision-making processes.

Biological psychology can be instrumental in developing treatments for conditions like substance misuse. Understanding the biological underpinnings of addiction can aid individual recovery by addressing physical dependencies rather than merely symptomatic behaviors.

Social structures are designed to promote harmony and organization within societies. This suggests an evolutionary basis for developed mechanisms of control that support societal stability and cooperation.

Milgram's study demonstrated the extent to which individuals would go to obey authority figures, even at the cost of harming others. This reveals the powerful role authority plays in enforcing social control.

Sherif’s (1954/1961) research found that shared goals can reduce hostility between groups. When individuals unite under common aims, it fosters cooperation, thus enhancing social cohesion.

Research by Raine (1997) indicates that biological discrepancies can influence how different individuals respond to social controls or are monitored, highlighting the role of personal predispositions in social behavior.

In context, drug-related treatments can be viewed through the lens of social control, where interventions address addictions through both biological and social strategies that attempt to mitigate dependence.