Sociologists have classified the mechanisms of social control into:

(a) The informal means of social control and 

(b) The formal means of social control. 

Informal Means of Social Control

In primary groups, the relationships are close, direct and intimate. Social control is often maintained by informal mechanisms, i.e, customs, traditions, folkways, mores and religion. These are adopted by informal groups.

Informal mechanisms of social control include established and accepted institutions relating to socialization, education, family, marriage and religion etc.

It is executed through informal sanctions, which may be positive or negative. Positive sanctions include a smile, a nod of approval, rewards and promotion, etc. For instance, good performance in an examination may be rewarded with a bicycle or a watch by the parents.

Negative sanctions include a frown, criticism, physical threats and punishments. The unruly behaviour in school may result in detention or severe punishment is an example of negative sanction. 

Formal Means of Social Control:

The formal means of social control come from institutions like the state, law, education, and those that have legitimate power. They apply coercion in case of deviance. For instance, a person convicted of having stolen someone's property may be sentenced to imprisonment. In other words, these institutions exercise the legal power to control the behaviour of the individual and the group. We shall now deal with the various forms of informal and formal means of social control.