Theory of Social Control of Society

A meta-concept examining how society as a whole engages in the process of controlling itself. It looks at the decentralized, self-reinforcing network where institutions (media, schools), groups (peers, families), and individuals all participate in enforcing norms, often without central coordination, creating a stable but often coercive equilibrium.

Theory of Social Control of Society Example: The viral "cancel culture" mob. No government directs it. Instead, society itself acts as a control mechanism: through social media, peers enforce norms by collectively shaming, shunning, and applying economic pressure (getting someone fired) for perceived transgressions. It’s a decentralized but powerful form of societal self-policing that reinforces current moral boundaries.

by Abzugal Nammugal Enkigal February 7, 2026

Theory of Scientific Social Control

Analyzes how the authority of "Science" (as a cultural institution, not just the method) is invoked to legitimize and operationalize control. It involves using scientific language, research, and experts to justify social policies, pathologize dissent, and define what is "normal" or "optimal" human behavior, often obscuring ethical or political choices.

Theory of Scientific Social Control Example: Corporations using "productivity science" and "optimization studies" to justify constant employee monitoring software. They don't say "we don't trust you"; they say "data shows this maximizes efficiency." The authority of science legitimizes invasive control, framing it as a neutral, objective necessity rather than a power move to manage worker behavior.

by Abzugal Nammugal Enkigal February 7, 2026

Theory of Technological Social Control

Examines how the very design and infrastructure of technology inherently regulate human action. It’s not just about using tech to surveil; it’s about how platforms, algorithms, and physical devices create environments that make some behaviors easier and others impossible, automating control into the system's architecture.

Theory of Technological Social Control Examines how the very design and infrastructure of technology inherently regulate human action. It’s not just about using tech to surveil; it’s about how platforms, algorithms, and physical devices create environments that make some behaviors easier and others impossible, automating control into the system's architecture.

by Abzugal Nammugal Enkigal February 7, 2026