A stake in conformity refers to the personal investments an individual has made through their past adherence to societal norms and rules, which act as a deterrent against engaging in deviant or non-conforming behavior. Essentially, it's the valuable rewards and benefits accumulated through prior conformity that a person stands to lose if they deviate.
This concept, introduced by sociologist Jackson Toby in 1957, builds on earlier ideas of social controls. It highlights a specific mechanism of social control where individuals consciously resist the temptation to break rules because their past adherence has resulted in tangible and intangible rewards.
Understanding the Concept of Stakes
The idea of a "stake" implies something of value that is at risk. In the context of conformity, these valuable assets are the positive outcomes gained by following societal expectations. These rewards serve as a powerful motivation for individuals to maintain their compliant behavior, weighing the potential losses against the immediate gratification of deviance.
Key Characteristics
- Reward-Based Deterrence: It's a proactive form of control where the existence of past rewards prevents future deviance.
- Rational Choice Element: Individuals implicitly or explicitly calculate the costs of non-conformity, realizing they would jeopardize their accumulated benefits.
- Internalized Control: While stemming from social interactions, the decision to conform becomes an internalized self-regulation.
Examples of Rewards Constituting a Stake
The rewards that form a stake in conformity are diverse and can span various aspects of an individual's life. They are typically social, economic, or reputational in nature, and losing them would represent a significant setback.
Common Examples of Stakes:
- Reputation: A positive standing within one's community, workplace, or social circles.
- Job Prospects and Security: A stable career, opportunities for advancement, and professional credibility.
- Educational Opportunities: Access to higher education, scholarships, and academic recognition.
- Social Relationships: Strong bonds with family, friends, and community members who might disapprove of deviant behavior.
- Financial Stability: Steady income, good credit, and accumulated savings that could be jeopardized by legal or social consequences.
- Personal Freedom: Avoiding incarceration or other restrictions on liberty that come with criminal behavior.
| Type of Stake | Description | Potential Loss from Deviance |
|---|---|---|
| Social | Strong community ties, positive family relationships, respect from peers | Ostracism, damaged relationships, social isolation |
| Professional | Career stability, good job performance record, industry reputation | Job loss, difficulty finding future employment, demotion |
| Financial | Steady income, savings, good credit score | Fines, legal fees, reduced earning potential, bankruptcy |
| Reputational | Public image, trustworthiness, moral standing | Public shame, loss of credibility, damaged legacy |
Stakes in Conformity and Control Theory
Stakes in conformity are a core component of control theories of crime and deviance. Unlike theories that seek to explain why people commit crimes (e.g., strain theory, differential association theory), control theories focus on why people don't commit crimes. They posit that strong social bonds and controls prevent individuals from engaging in deviance.
Toby's concept specifically highlights the importance of the rewards of prior conformity as a powerful form of social control. It suggests that individuals are less likely to yield to temptation when they have a significant amount invested in a law-abiding life. This investment acts as a form of social capital that would be forfeited through non-conformity.
Practical Implications
Understanding stakes in conformity has practical implications in areas like crime prevention, rehabilitation, and social policy.
- Crime Prevention: Fostering environments where individuals can accumulate valuable stakes (e.g., through educational programs, job creation, community engagement) can reduce the likelihood of deviance.
- Rehabilitation: Programs aimed at reintegrating offenders often focus on helping them build new stakes in conformity, such as securing stable housing, employment, and positive social connections.
- Youth Development: Encouraging academic success, participation in pro-social activities, and building strong family bonds helps young people develop significant stakes that guide them toward conformity.
In essence, the higher an individual's stake in conformity, the more they have to lose, and therefore, the stronger the motivation to adhere to societal norms.
