SOCIAL ORDER:
10 marker: How’s social order is maintained:
Social order intro (notes)
Social order is maintained primarily through:
1. Social institutions—such as family, education, religion, government, and the
economy—play a fundamental role in shaping behavior and maintaining order. These
institutions provide structure, stability, and a sense of belonging, guiding individuals
toward socially acceptable behavior.
a) The Family: The First Institution of Order
The family is the first place where individuals learn the difference between right and wrong. It
instills values, teaches social norms, and fosters discipline. Parents and caregivers set
expectations for behavior, helping children understand respect, cooperation, and responsibility.
For example, in many Asian cultures, strong family values emphasize respect for elders and
collective well-being, which translates into greater societal harmony. In contrast, the breakdown
of family structures can sometimes lead to social instability. In the United States, studies have
shown that children from stable, supportive families are less likely to engage in criminal
activities compared to those from broken or neglectful homes.
b) Education: Teaching Rules and Values
Schools are vital in maintaining social order by imparting knowledge, discipline, and civic
responsibilities. They teach individuals how to interact with society, follow rules, and contribute
positively. Education also helps reduce inequality by offering opportunities for people from
different backgrounds to succeed.
For instance, Finland's education system focuses not just on academics but also on social
values like equality, cooperation, and responsibility, contributing to a low crime rate and a
highly functional society. In contrast, lack of access to education often correlates with higher
crime rates and social unrest.
c) Religion: Moral Guidance and Social Unity
Religious institutions have historically played a crucial role in maintaining social order by
providing moral guidelines and fostering a sense of community. Religious teachings often
promote honesty, kindness, and social responsibility.
For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, religious institutions worldwide played a key
role in spreading awareness about safety measures, encouraging people to follow health
guidelines, and providing support to those in need. However, religion can also be a source of
division when used to justify discrimination or conflict.
d) Government: The Enforcer of Order
Governments ensure social order through laws, policies, and enforcement agencies. A strong
and just government prevents anarchy and protects citizens' rights.
For example, Singapore maintains strict laws on crime, public behavior, and cleanliness,
ensuring that its citizens live in a highly ordered and safe society. In contrast, failed states, such
as Somalia, struggle with lawlessness because of weak governance, leading to high crime rates
and insecurity.
e) The Economy: Stability Through Employment
A stable economy ensures that people have access to jobs, resources, and opportunities, reducing
the likelihood of crime and social unrest. Unemployment and poverty often lead to frustration
and social disorder.
For example, during the Great Depression in the 1930s, economic instability led to protests,
crime, and political extremism. In contrast, strong economies like Germany’s provide social
security and employment, reducing social tensions and contributing to long-term stability.
2. Norms: While institutions provide structure, norms and socialization shape individual
behavior. Norms are unwritten rules that guide behavior, while socialization is the
process of learning these rules.
a) Social Norms: Social norms dictate everyday behavior—what is acceptable and
what is not. People follow norms because they fear social disapproval or exclusion.
For example, in Japan, the norm of respecting personal space and maintaining cleanliness in
public spaces creates a highly ordered society. Even without strict legal enforcement, people
voluntarily follow rules like standing in line, keeping quiet in public transport, and disposing
of trash properly.
In contrast, the breakdown of norms can lead to disorder. The riots in the United States after
the death of George Floyd in 2020 demonstrated how, when people feel that social justice
norms are violated, public protests and civil unrest can occur.
b) Socialization: People are not born knowing how to behave in society—they learn
through socialization. Families, schools, peers, and media all shape individuals’
understanding of right and wrong.
For example, Scandinavian countries focus on teaching empathy, cooperation, and equality
from a young age, leading to a culture of trust and social harmony. In contrast, in regions with
weak socialization processes, crime and corruption are more prevalent because people do not
internalize societal values effectively.
3. Legal systems: While social norms and institutions create order informally, laws and
legal systems enforce order formally. Laws ensure fairness, resolve disputes, and
prevent crime.
a) Law Enforcement: Police and judicial systems play a crucial role in ensuring that
laws are followed. When legal systems are strong, societies remain peaceful.
For example, countries like Sweden and Canada have well-functioning legal systems that
ensure justice is served fairly, leading to high trust in the government and low crime rates. In
contrast, in nations where the legal system is corrupt or weak, such as Venezuela, crime is
rampant because laws are not enforced properly.
b) The Role of International Laws and Agreements : Social order is not just about
individual nations—it also applies globally. International laws help maintain order
between countries. The United Nations (UN) plays a key role in preventing conflicts,
mediating disputes, and ensuring human rights.
For example, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change is an effort by multiple nations to
regulate carbon emissions and protect the environment. While not legally binding in all aspects,
it encourages cooperation for a global cause, maintaining order at an international level.
4. Challenges to social order: While institutions, norms, and laws help maintain order,
modern societies face new challenges that threaten stability.
a) Social Media and Misinformation: The rise of social media has made it easier to
spread misinformation, which can lead to public panic and social unrest. For instance,
during the Capitol riots in the U.S. in 2021, misinformation about election fraud led
to violent protests, challenging the very foundation of democracy.
b) Political Polarization: Deep political divisions in many countries make it harder to
maintain social order. The Brexit vote in the UK and political tensions in the U.S.
have led to increased protests, distrust, and social fragmentation.
c) Climate Change and Migration: Environmental disasters and resource scarcity
are causing migration crises worldwide, leading to tensions between host countries
and migrants. The Syrian refugee crisis created social and political tensions in
Europe, highlighting how global issues can impact national stability.
Conclusion
Social order is maintained through a delicate balance of institutions, norms, and legal
systems. Families teach basic values, schools educate citizens, religious institutions provide
moral guidance, governments enforce laws, and economies provide stability. When these
elements function effectively, societies remain peaceful and prosperous
5 marker Why is social order important?
The Importance of Social Order
Driving Economic Growth
A well-ordered society creates an environment where businesses can flourish, investments are
secure, and economic activities can progress smoothly. For instance, countries with strong legal
systems and governance—such as Germany and Canada—attract investors because they offer
stability, clear regulations, and protection of property rights. On the other hand, nations
struggling with lawlessness or corruption face economic stagnation, as seen in some politically
unstable regions where businesses hesitate to invest due to uncertainty.
Supporting Public Health Initiatives
Public health heavily depends on social order. Governments need a cooperative society to
implement health programs, ensure vaccination campaigns, and manage crises like pandemics. A
striking example is the COVID-19 pandemic, where countries with strong social cooperation
and trust in institutions, like New Zealand, managed the crisis effectively through public
adherence to lockdowns and vaccinations. In contrast, societies where misinformation and
defiance of regulations were widespread saw higher death rates and prolonged economic
hardships.
Mitigating Conflicts and Ensuring Safety
Social order prevents conflicts by establishing laws, promoting justice, and maintaining peace.
Societies with functioning legal and justice systems can resolve disputes without resorting to
violence. A contemporary example is the difference between Sweden and Syria. Sweden, with
its robust legal system and strong social institutions, effectively manages social conflicts through
dialogue and governance. On the other hand, Syria’s collapse into civil war due to a breakdown
of social order has led to immense suffering, economic ruin, and displacement of millions.
Fostering Social Harmony
A society that values social order encourages respect, inclusivity, and cooperation among diverse
groups. Countries like Singapore, known for their strict but fair governance, ensure that racial
and religious harmony is maintained, creating a peaceful environment for all. In contrast, regions
with deep social divisions and lack of order often face ethnic or religious conflicts that hinder
progress.
Therefore, Social order is essential for a prosperous society. It provides a stable foundation for
economic growth, public health, conflict resolution, and overall social well-being. Without it,
chaos and uncertainty can derail progress, harming individuals and communities alike.
Contemporary examples from across the world show that nations with strong social order thrive,
while those without it struggle with instability and stagnation.
10 Marker: Mechanisms of social order without formal institutions:
Mechanisms of Social Order Without Formal Institutions
Social order is often maintained through formal institutions like governments, courts, and
police forces. However, in many societies—especially in rural, indigenous, or close-knit
communities—order is upheld through informal mechanisms. These include kinship,
customary laws, local governing bodies (such as Khap Panchayats or Gram Panchayats),
peer pressure, cultural taboos, and shared societal values.
1. Kinship: The Foundation of Social Order in Small Communities
Kinship—family ties and blood relations—has historically been the primary way societies
maintain order. In close-knit families or tribal communities, people follow rules not because of
laws, but because they do not want to dishonor their families or lose social support.
For example, in many indigenous tribes in Africa and South America, disputes are resolved
through family elders rather than courts. The elders mediate conflicts and ensure peace, relying
on their wisdom, experience, and social authority. People follow their decisions out of respect
and a sense of duty to their kin.
However, kinship-based systems struggle in larger, urban societies where people do not share
the same familial bonds. In modern cities, relationships are often transactional, and individuals
do not feel the same level of obligation to obey family elders or tribal leaders. This is why legal
systems become necessary to enforce rules across diverse and disconnected populations.
2. Customary Laws: Traditional Justice Systems
Customary laws are unwritten rules and traditions that communities have followed for
generations. These laws regulate behavior and resolve disputes without formal legal institutions.
Many tribal communities across the world rely on customary laws rather than state-imposed
legal systems.
For instance, in Nagaland (India), tribal communities follow their own customary laws for
settling disputes, property rights, and social behavior. These laws are often enforced by village
councils rather than the national judiciary. Similarly, in some Aboriginal communities in
Australia, traditional elders resolve conflicts through discussion and restorative justice rather
than police or courts.
However, customary laws often struggle when societies modernize. They may be biased,
outdated, or inconsistent, leading to human rights violations. For example, in some cases,
customary laws have been criticized for discriminating against women, particularly in
inheritance rights and marriage laws. As societies grow, formal laws become necessary to ensure
justice and equality across all groups.
3. Khap Panchayats and Gram Panchayats: Local Governance Without the State
In rural India, Khap Panchayats (self-governing village councils) and Gram Panchayats
(local democratic councils) have historically played a key role in maintaining social order. They
handle disputes, settle land conflicts, and regulate marriage customs.
For example, in many parts of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, Khap Panchayats make decisions
on issues like inter-caste marriages, property disputes, and social conflicts. Their authority
comes from tradition rather than government laws.
However, Khap Panchayats have also been controversial. Some have enforced regressive and
patriarchal rules, such as banning love marriages or justifying honor killings. While they
provide quick justice in rural settings, they lack transparency, legal accountability, and
protection of individual rights. In contrast, Gram Panchayats—part of India’s official local
governance system—operate within the framework of the law, making them more reliable in the
long run.
4. Peer Pressure: The Social Force That Regulates Behavior
Even without laws, peer pressure plays a major role in shaping behavior. People conform to
societal expectations because they fear judgment, exclusion, or criticism.
For example, in South Korea, there is immense peer pressure to succeed academically and
professionally. Students feel compelled to study hard, not just because of parental expectations,
but because society views failure as shameful. Similarly, in Japan, social norms discourage
loud behavior in public spaces, and people follow these rules to avoid being seen as
disrespectful.
However, peer pressure can also be dangerous. It can enforce harmful norms, such as bullying,
substance abuse, or discriminatory practices. For instance, in some societies, there is peer
pressure on men to prove masculinity by engaging in violence or risky behavior. Unlike formal
laws, which apply equally to everyone, peer pressure can be inconsistent and unjust.
5. Cultural Taboos: The Unspoken Rules That Shape Behavior
Cultural taboos prevent people from engaging in socially unacceptable actions. These are deeply
ingrained beliefs about what is right and wrong, often passed down through generations.
For example, in many Muslim-majority countries, public drinking is considered a taboo, even
if it is not always illegal. In India, eating beef is controversial in some regions due to religious
sentiments. Similarly, in many African and Middle Eastern societies, discussing sexuality or
mental health issues openly is still considered taboo.
While taboos help regulate behavior in small communities, they can limit personal freedoms
and create social stigma. In modern societies, people often challenge taboos, leading to social
conflicts. For instance, LGBTQ+ rights have gained recognition in many Western countries, but
in more traditional societies, homosexuality remains taboo, making it difficult for individuals
to live openly.
6. Societal Values: The Shared Morality That Guides Communities
Societies maintain order by instilling shared values such as honesty, respect, cooperation, and
responsibility. These values are taught through families, schools, religious teachings, and social
interactions.
For example, in Scandinavian countries, there is a strong societal value of trust and equality,
leading to low crime rates and high levels of social cooperation. People follow rules not because
of strict policing but because they genuinely believe in fairness and collective well-being.
However, in large, diverse societies, values often clash. A behavior that is considered acceptable
in one culture may be offensive in another. For instance, the debate over free speech and
political correctness in the United States shows how difficult it is to maintain a single set of
societal values in a multicultural society.
Why These Mechanisms Do Not Work in Larger Societies
While these informal mechanisms work in small, homogenous communities, they fail in large,
diverse societies for several reasons:
1. Lack of Accountability – Unlike formal laws, informal rules are not enforced consistently. This
can lead to injustice, bias, and even human rights violations.
2. Subjectivity and Bias – Customary laws and community-led justice systems often favor the
powerful over the weak (e.g., gender discrimination in traditional inheritance laws).
3. Incompatibility with Modern Life – As societies urbanize and modernize, traditional
mechanisms struggle to regulate behavior in complex, multicultural environments.
4. Conflicts Between Different Norms – In large societies, people come from different cultural
backgrounds, making it difficult to establish universal norms without formal laws.
For example, in India’s urban areas, people from diverse backgrounds live together. Customary
laws that work in a remote village may not be relevant in a multi-religious, multi-ethnic city
like Mumbai or Delhi. Similarly, in large, industrialized nations like the U.S. or Brazil, relying
on kinship or cultural taboos alone would be impractical.
Conclusion
In small and traditional communities, social order can be maintained through kinship,
customary laws, peer pressure, cultural taboos, and shared societal values. These informal
mechanisms create stability, regulate behavior, and resolve conflicts without the need for formal
institutions. However, they struggle to function in modern, large, and diverse societies, where
formal legal systems, governance structures, and human rights protections become essential.
