Sanctions

Definition

Sanctions are measures or actions taken to encourage or discourage specific behaviors within a society, group, or organization. Sanctions can be formal (officially enforced by authorities like governments, schools, or companies) or informal (unspoken social norms or expectations). They can also be positive (rewards for good behavior) or negative (punishments for bad behavior).

Example

In an office, workers are expected to complete tasks on time. If a worker consistently meets this expectation, the boss might praise them in front of the other workers (a formal positive sanction) and their peers might admire their dedication (an informal positive sanction). On the other hand, if a worker fails to complete their assignments, the boss might give them a write-up (a formal negative sanction), and co-workers might resent them for not contributing (an informal negative sanction).

Why It Matters

Sanctions are essential because they help maintain order, encourage cooperation, and guide behavior within groups. Without sanctions, people would not have clear incentives to follow rules or contribute positively to society. Positive sanctions reward good behavior, reinforcing desirable actions, while negative sanctions discourage harmful or disruptive behavior. Together, formal and informal sanctions create a framework that helps individuals understand what is expected of them and how their actions impact others.