Ardelyanova, Ya.A. Informal social control of deviant behavior of youth: approaches and conceptual scheme. Management issues. 2025. Vol. 19. No. 2. Pp. 72-85. EDN MSQETI.

Òåêñò ñòàòüè íà ñàéòå æóðíàëà URL: https://journal-management.com/main/article/view/188 (äàòà îáðàùåíèÿ 30.07.2025)

Abstract

Introduction. The article discusses modern approaches to understanding informal social control of deviant behavior. The purpose of the article is to develop a conceptual scheme of informal social control of deviant behavior of young people, combining theoretical approaches and empirical data. In particular, the main levels and mechanisms, agents, factors and risks of the effectiveness of informal social control of deviant behavior are analyzed. Special attention is paid to the role of the family, peers, educational institutions and digital communities in regulating deviant manifestations. Materials and methods. The article uses general scientific research methods such as document analysis, synthesis, logical induction method and others. The information base of the article consists of scientific research and empirical research. In the process of creating the conceptual scheme, the hypothetical-deductive method was used. Results. The theoretical analysis made it possible to identify the following basic sociological approaches to understanding informal social control: the interactionist approach (the theory of labeling), the theory of social connections, and the theory of social networks. Special attention is paid to the age theory of informal social control. A conceptual scheme of informal social control of deviant behavior of young people has also been developed, integrating micro-, meso- and macrosocial levels of influence. The elements of the conceptual scheme are agents of social control, levels of social control, mechanisms and factors of social control. Discussion. Informal social control of deviant behavior of young people in the modern world is a key mechanism in conditions of weakening the influence of formal institutions. In this regard, the focus should be not only on informal negative sanctions, but also on the development of positive reward systems. Research shows the effectiveness of these measures in controlling youth deviations. The levels identified as a result of the study and their corresponding agents and mechanisms of informal social control of deviant behavior of young people are key to developing a system of measures to prevent and prevent undesirable behavior of young people.