Research efforts have established that the threat of informal sanctions can be a more effective deterrent than the threat of formal sanctions.

Question

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Research in sociology and criminology has shown that the threat of informal sanctions, such as social ostracism, loss of reputation, or peer disapproval, can be more effective in deterring undesirable behavior than the threat of formal sanctions like fines or imprisonment. This is because informal sanctions directly affect an individual's social relationships and standing within their community, which are often valued more highly than the consequences of formal sanctions.

Research Efforts Have Established That the Threat of Informal Sanctions