What is an example of informal social control?

Informal social control refers to the ways in which individuals and groups influence behavior in a non-official manner, relying on social norms and expectations rather than formal laws or rules. The instance of a parent grounding their child is a clear example of informal social control. This action stems from the parent’s authority in the family and is intended to correct behavior through a social mechanism rather than a legal one.

In this scenario, the parent is reinforcing family norms and values by enforcing consequences that aim to promote appropriate behavior. Grounding serves as a form of discipline that reflects the parent's expectations for their child's conduct without involving any official or institutional processes, such as the judicial system or law enforcement.

In contrast, the other options involve formal systems of control. For instance, a judge sentencing an offender is a formal process within the legal system, while a teacher giving extra homework is an academic requirement based on the school’s curriculum. Similarly, a police officer issuing a fine is a legal consequence imposed for violating laws, clearly illustrating formal social control.