Definition of Informal Sanctions
Informal sanctions refer to the actions taken by individuals or groups within a society to enforce certain norms or values without the involvement of formal legal institutions.
Key Points:
- Informal sanctions are non-legal and often arise from social, cultural, or traditional norms.
- These sanctions can be positive or negative, depending on whether they reward or punish behavior.
- Examples of informal sanctions include social ostracism, shaming, ridicule, gossip, or boycotting.
- Informal sanctions play a crucial role in maintaining social order and reinforcing social expectations.
- Unlike formal sanctions, informal ones are typically based on social pressure rather than codified laws.
- Informal sanctions can be effective in influencing behavior due to their personal and immediate nature.