B. Social Order (Correct Answer):

Societies practice social control to maintain social order. This answer is correct because social control is a mechanism employed by societies to establish and uphold the stability and organization of their communities.

It involves regulating individual behaviors and actions to ensure that they align with the accepted norms, values, and rules of a given society. By enforcing social control, communities aim to prevent chaos, conflict, and disorder, which are detrimental to the overall well-being and functioning of the society.

Social order is essential for various reasons. It enables individuals to predict and understand the behavior of others, fostering a sense of security and predictability in daily life.

It also promotes cooperation and unity among community members, allowing them to work together for common goals. Social order is the foundation of a peaceful and harmonious society where people can coexist, interact, and pursue their interests without undue disruption.

Now, let’s examine why the other options are not correct:

A. Formal Sanctions (Not Correct):

Formal sanctions are a part of the social control system, but they are not the ultimate goal of social control. Formal sanctions refer to official consequences or penalties, such as fines or imprisonment, that are imposed when individuals violate established laws or rules.

While formal sanctions play a role in maintaining social order, they are just one aspect of the broader social control framework. Social control encompasses informal mechanisms as well, such as social norms, values, and expectations, which guide behavior without necessarily resorting to formal sanctions.

C. Cultural Deviance (Not Correct):

Cultural deviance is not the purpose of social control but rather a sociological concept that examines how certain subcultures or groups may develop their own norms and values that differ from those of the dominant culture.

Social control, on the other hand, seeks to maintain social order by encouraging adherence to the established cultural norms and values within a society. While the concept of cultural deviance is relevant to the study of sociology, it does not represent the primary goal of social control.

D. Sanction Labeling (Not Correct):

Sanction labeling is a concept that explores how individuals may be labeled as deviant or criminal by society, and how this labeling can influence their future behavior. It is a part of the larger discussion around the consequences of societal reactions to deviance.

However, it is not the objective of social control. Social control aims to prevent and address deviant behavior to maintain social order rather than focusing on the labeling of individuals who have deviated from accepted norms.

In summary, the correct answer is “B. Social Order” because social control is practiced by societies to establish and preserve the stability, organization, and harmony of their communities.

While formal sanctions, cultural deviance, and sanction labeling are relevant concepts within the field of sociology, they do not represent the primary goal of social control, which is to ensure social order by regulating behavior and promoting adherence to established norms and values.