Informal Social Control I. Peer Pressure (e.g. gossip/rumor) II. Community Pressure (e.g. Comm. Crime Prevention) III. Individual Responses (e.g. Bystander Apathy)

Informal Social Control I.Gossip Defined II. Characteristics of Gossip A. Types of Gossip B. Symbolizes Intimacy and Trust C. Increases Cohesion D.Highly Connected Homogenous Society E. Social Status F. Ambiguity

Informal Social Control III. Rumor A. Gossip is content, Rumor is process B. Gordon Allport’s Linear/Distortion Model 1) Leveling 2) Sharpening 3) Assimilation

Informal Social Control Fred Koenig’s Collective Model of Rumor 1) Spreads quickly 2) Large # of people 3) Multiple Sources Ambiguous situation + Anxiety-laden event+ Socially connected target=Rumor Scandal: Explosive Episodes

Informal Social Control Functions of Gossip The Gossiper The Listener The Target- Gary Fine’s research on teens

Informal Social Control II. The Community and Informal Social Control A.Durkheim’s Mechanical/Organic Solidarity B. Towns and Cities and Informal Social Control 1. Information Overload/Norms of Noninvolvement

Informal Social Control

Increase in Actual Crime Rate Increase in Perceived Crime Rate Decrease in ISC Decrease in public Increase in interaction Actual Crime Rate Increase in Perceived Crime Rate

Informal Social Control III. Individual Responses A. Kitty Genovese Case B. Bystander Apathy 1. Pluralistic Ignorance 2. Diffusion of Responsibility

Informal Social Control C. Factors Influencing Likelihood of Bystander Assistance 1. Familiarity with Location 2. Risks of Helping 3. Activity of Witnesses 4. Training