Third degree of the social control Cover Image

Kontrola społeczna trzeciego stopnia
Third degree of the social control

Author(s): Adam Podgórecki
Subject(s): Social Sciences
Published by: Instytut Profilaktyki Społecznej i Resocjalizacji UW
Keywords: dirty togetherness; institutions; social control; social control of the third degree

Summary/Abstract: Traditionally two types of the social control are distinguished - primary control held in small groups, and secondary control which is based upon the systems of abstract norms and depersonalized application of rules. Author is of the opinion that it is possible to discern third degree of the social control. This is characterized by the opportunity of using the tools of two former types of control for the purposes being defined by those who are able to manipulate the tools of social control and to change the original aims of these. Social control of the third degree is a result of the increasing complication of the modem social structures, proliferation of the institutions created in effort to control the various segments of these structures, and the growth of the institutions which aim at the controlling of other institutions of control. These processes lead to the situation of formal and practical complication of control and vagueness of its purposes. The ideal socio-political model which would provide the patterns for ordering all controlling activities within a society is still a matter of future. The simple case of social control of third degree comes into being whenever there are two sides and one of them uses the means at its disposal for its own gain and not only in effort to solve the issue. Sometimes the processes of the social control of third degree are more complicated as f. i. in the bureaucratized institutions where the strategically important tools of action are taken over by the groups striving either for personal gains or for breaking down the routine of bureaucracy and increase in efficiency of institution. Invisibility of social structure linked with vagueness of institutionalized goals is the most import factor leading to emergence of the social control of third degree. The by-product of this type of social control is the existence of „dirty companionship" whose participants help each other in covering up their illegal practices. In such social situation any sociotechnical projects are obstructed as their results cannot be assessed with the necessary degree of accuracy.

  • Issue Year: 2010
  • Issue No: 15
  • Page Range: 7-20
  • Page Count: 14
  • Language: Polish