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Sizzling Sociology: What does a Sociology Major do?

Sheila Wanite Bautz, Sizzling Sociology
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Sizzling Sociology: What does a Sociology Major do?

Sheila Wanite Bautz

Special to the Herald

Many Sociologists move through life unnoticed. However, multitudes of professional careers require the skills attained through achieving a strong foundation in sociology. As a social science, the field develops critical thinking and incorporates the scientific term sociological imagination.

The terminology sociological imagination was coined by Sociologist C. Wright Mills. Mills defined it as the ability to genuinely connect with societal issues affecting members of the public while having the ability to analyze all perspectives and motives that are involved – the wonderful/good, the vexatious/bad, and the suffering/ugly that results. This involves a genuine empathy and understanding of various cultures and how systems work.

Through training, the social science of sociology enhances an individual’s ability to genuinely connect with various organizations and ethnic cultures, partially due to a deep intercultural understanding and an ability for public engagement acuity. Acuity is defined as a sharpness of thought, vision and hearing. 

Mills emphasized that direct experience matters in sociology, along with the ability to genuinely relate to various cultural groups with multi-tiered intelligence, such as empathic intelligence. The Ideo Institute explains that,

At its core, Empathic Intelligence (or “EmQ”) is what we call “a pursuit of knowing.” It is a practical and powerful process of gaining new insights and empathic understanding that leads to ideas unconsidered or deemed impossible in its absence. Unlike other intelligences, it relies not only on the accumulation of data or knowledge, but the unique ability to understand, and then act upon, the experiences and perspectives of others without negating one’s own in the process. ~ Ideo Institute

In addition, critical thinking is a foundational pillar in sociology as a science.

As a result, a Sociologist supports their theories, analysis and findings with hard evidence, critical thinking, and sound and reasonable logic. This process is comparable to becoming an investigator. Many times, the process sparks further research and further data collection in pursuit of the truth based on the weight of existing observations and evidence.

Therefore, sociology is the ability to reflect on deeper systemic forces, understand history and identify motives, modes of operation, processes, and understand how the past affects the present with current accepted social norms, choices and behaviours.

Many times, a Sociologist informs the public about their findings to assist with educating the masses and various professionals in a multitude of sectors to present solutions. Their exposures are intended to prevent or stop history from repeating itself through injustices, bias, human rights violations and oppression after a deep analysis that identifies patterns and modes of operation. The process involves finding solid, fact-based connections to identify both negative and positive widespread phenomena in both individual lives and in society.

Through developing a type of Sherlock Holmes technique or Intuitive Spidey Senses that incorporate sociological imagination, academic training assists in heightening various cognitive skills also. This results in a greater ability and enhancement of the power contained in critical thinking.

Techniques such as eloquently questioning or outwardly defying various socially accepted norms in a non-violent way, and through assisting and protecting the vulnerable and others, Sociologists ensure or rebalance inequalities in society. They are defenders of the human rights of all people regardless of gender, culture, race or religious and spiritual preferences. As the American Sociology Association (2025) states,

“Through their studies, sociology majors learn not only to use the “sociological imagination” to observe society, but also to analyze, report on, and understand complex social phenomena.” ~ American Sociology Association (2025)

Ideally, Sociology Majors are specialists in critical thinking and communication, which requires the demonstration of independent thought, research abilities, and strong written and verbal skills with a natural tendency towards public relations.

In a world in need of critical thinkers, there is also a need for educated advocates on behalf of social responsibility — and a greater need for informed citizens. Individuals who Major in Sociology abide by the ASA public definition of what Sociology is:

“The study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations, and societies and how people interact within these contexts. Since all human behavior is social, the subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to global communities; from deviance to organized crime; from religious traditions to state institutions; and from the divisions of race, gender, and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture.” ~ American Sociology Association (2025)

This involves considering the perspectives of all types of people from various cultures and sub-cultures, continual study and research, and the collection of data and evidence.

Part of the duties required of Sociologists is the ability to write reports, present evidence, and develop powerful and effective arguments, including as a form of advocacy. This is why many Sociology Majors enter the legal arena as lawyers, protective services and legal assistants or experts.

Sociologists are trained to dig deeper to get to the root of interpersonal issues that impact individuals in a collective society. In this way, they are humanitarians who are of service to the people with a desire to assist an individual, a family, a community, and the society in their demographic location and beyond.

The expertise acquired by a Sociologist requires finely honed research abilities with knowledge about research methods, the gathering of data and analysis from both qualitative and quantitative methods. Qualitative research includes conducting interviews with others to explore all sides of a situation. Quantitative methods include a collection of the facts, statistics, court transcripts, and surveys — amongst others.

A Sociologist lives by a code as well, which is transmitted into other careers they pursue, such as Social Work. Sociologists are expected to have a high moral and ethical compass, a sound mind with rational and reasonable assessments of situations from everyone’s perspective. This includes with how they collect their research and interact with people during an investigation and the discovery of facts.

As trained Sociology Majors develop keen skills and analytical abilities, they often study and analyze policies, provisions, laws and legal case studies. They identify weaknesses or areas that are neglected, then provide solutions for social problems, social conditions and situations to reduce potential harm and enhance social equilibrium. This enhances the creation of stability, balance and harmony in a society – particularly in societies that are multi-cultural.

As mentioned, some Sociology Majors move further into various careers. Professional Sociologists are drawn to the fields of Journalism, Publishing, and other investigative related fields. Their professional employment may extend into multiple areas that intertwine throughout various employment sectors, such as Private Practice, Professors at Universities, Statisticians, independent advisors to Government officials and legal contract work — to name a few. Other areas of expertise include Marketing, Criminology, Addictions, Healthcare, and Human Resources.

“The “sociological imagination” is a framework that helps students learn to view the world from multiple perspectives and begin to see how individuals and social institutions are interconnected. Students learn how people are shaped by biology, culture, and historical and societal contexts, as well as how individuals play a role in shaping these contexts.” ~ The American Sociology Association (2025)

As a result, a Sociologist is highly resourceful and highly trained. They are expected to demonstrate strong communication skills, ethics, perseverance, creativity, and rational and reasonable thought. 

Famous people with Sociology BA’s include Martin Luther King Jr, previous First Lady of the USA, Michelle Obama, and past Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau’s mother. These three examples demonstrate powerful individuals who were unconventional at times, but created social impacts by drawing attention to important social issues for a progressive society.

Every Friday, Sheila Wanite Bautz addresses various Sociological issues in laymen’s terms. Sheila has dual Honour BAs with Majors in Sociology and English through the University of Saskatchewan. In Sociology, she specialized in Indigenous history, law, addictions and criminology.

Sizzling Sociology: Maslow’s Fluid Pyramid of Human Needs (Part two)

Sheila Wanite Bautz, Sizzling Sociology
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Sizzling Sociology: Maslow’s Fluid Pyramid of Human Needs (Part two)

Last Friday’s article explored four tiers of the lower needs in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. This week’s article explores the upper needs, also known as growth needs, developed by the most influential psychologist of the 20th century, Abraham Maslow.

Born a Russian Jew, Maslow’s family escaped prosecution by taking refuge in the United States of America. The tiers are not intended to be set rigidly as they are fluid, yet the pyramid provides a visual of ascension.

The upper needs result as a desire to grow and evolve during the human experience once all lower needs are met. The tiers composing the growth needs dimension strengthen with an inner desire to experience a high-quality life filled with aspirations and the expansion of different forms of enrichment on various levels of the human existence.

Tier 5: Cognitive Needs

Cognitive Needs involve a person’s drive to accumulate knowledge, to understand and to explore. They derive from curiosity and involve a process of discovery where a person collects, organizes and analyzes information about various connections and their meanings. It is the search for answers to eliminate confusion. Confusion often evaporates when a person understands motives and the reasons for them, which answer their questions. In this way, cognitive needs fulfill a person’s development of understanding and develop true wisdom. 

For instance, there is often a cognitive need to discover the reason for a health diagnosis through attaining education on the health issue, why the health issue occurred and how it progresses. Through the exploration, a remedy for — or prevention of — a disease may be discovered. 

As such, cognitive needs seek to solve problems through the acquisition of facts, greater knowledge and invoking critical thinking to seek creative solutions that benefit the person and society as a whole. 

Tier 6: Aesthetic Needs

Aesthetic Needs are the genuine appreciation for the beauty in life in all its forms. As a result, beauty is a word that embodies the esthetic settings and experiences in life, which activate the reward centers in the brain. For Indigenous cultures, it embodies the saying Walk In Beauty.

On Tier 6, an individual develops a heightened sensitivity, which is in proportion to a harmonious, healthy and positive frame of mind. During the experiences, enhanced and authentically original creative expressions result. This is accompanied by genuine experiences of awe and wonder at the beauty in nature, in other people and in situations. The desire to experience pleasant environments, both human and constructed, increase. When a person encounters beautiful settings by rivers, lakes and landscapes it please the senses and elevates their spirit.

As well, the appreciation of all forms of art, such as attending the Oprah or listening to Ozzy Osbourne music, reading the latest best seller and simply enjoying the view of a person’s surroundings, result. A greater desire emerges to enhance environments through beautifying them, which is an Ancient practice with primitive spiritual power to create an energy that is felt upon entering the area.

Within the Aesthetic Needs, there is also a need for order, symmetry and completion. Tier 7: Self-Actualization

Self-Actualization is a highly individual experience to reach the realization of an individual’s fullest potential and highest purpose, which is unique to each person. There is a full acceptance of Self and others with a goal to become the best a person can be, whether as a parent, a spouse, or a professional, but most importantly, as a compassionate human being. 

Individuals who attain Self-Actualization share common characteristics. They include simplicity, naturalness, autonomy and independence from culture and environmental influences to follow their inner calling. Such individuals clearly see what other people truly are, including their motives. When it comes to close relationships, this rare person is highly selective with who they let in their inner circle to avoid being taken advantage of. They display an efficient perception about reality and are not easily fooled.

As a result, Self-Actualization includes mystical experiences with a high level of creativity resulting. These individuals have an authentic appreciation in life that is fresh, including with perspectives, and always with authentic expressions of gratitude as a natural daily routine.

In addition, individuals operating on the seventh tier are adventurous. They demonstrate an open mind and an ability to see from the perspectives of others. New experiences are welcomed, but with a high sense of moral integrity, self-protection and self-preservation due to a lifetime of inner work. 

According to Maslow, other genuine traits of an individual who has reached Self-Actualization are a passionate desire for self-reliance, an ability to tolerate uncertainty and an odd sense of humour at times. 

Maslow also noted that complete Self-Actualization is extremely rare. He identified Einstein as one such person, along with others throughout history and stated there are those who walk amongst us unknown. This rare person composes only 1 per cent of the human population, but people can experience moments or short experiences of the profound. 

Tier 8: Transcendence

Transcendence is demonstrated through the individual assisting others to achieve Self-Actualization, many times privately. It involves spirituality with a generosity that willingly gives back to areas in the community where they see a need, and without expecting anything back, nor do they do so for personal gain. They are humanitarians.

However, Transcendence poses a risk of others demanding and depleting the energy of a Transcended one, which may put the individual at risk in areas of need. This particularly includes their Biological and Physiological Needs and Safety Needs due to the demands of people, which can borderline hysteria, and from which who have not worked on their own human and spiritual advancement. Such masses witness the Transcended one’s power and seek to use and abuse it with selfish motives.

The individual who reaches this rare state views life from a high perspective, such as sages and saints. They exude joy, peace and self-awareness, which attracts both well-meaning people and others with malicious agendas due to their ability to perceive reality efficiently while tolerating uncertainty.

Maslow identified other common traits shared by the ultra-rare people who reach the 8th tier. Transcended ones demonstrate spontaneous thoughts and actions while seeking solutions for issues. They use an abundance of humour. They also continue to have a resistance to enculturation and are viewed as unconventional. Transcended ones are genuinely concerned about the welfare of humanity, regardless of the population’s cultural beliefs, race, ethnicity or spiritual and religious preferences. Regularly, they are of service to others when it involves the enhancement and advancement of the greater good. 

Yet, they need privacy also, including while demonstrating the ability to view life objectively and with a deep appreciation of basic life-experiences. The strength of their moral and ethical standards is impeccable while reaching a spiritual or cosmic connection beyond their personal identity. 

The upper needs are a desire to continue to evolve as a person. Bruce Lee advised, “If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them.” 

Every Friday, Sheila Wanite Bautz addresses various Sociological issues in laymen’s terms. Sheila has dual Honour BAs with Majors in Sociology and English through the University of Saskatchewan. In Sociology, she specialized in Indigenous history, law, addictions and criminology.

Sizzling Sociology: Maslow’s Fluid Pyramid of Human Needs (Part one)

Sheila Wanite Bautz, Sizzling Sociology
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Sizzling Sociology: Maslow’s Fluid Pyramid of Human Needs (Part one)

Sheila Wanite Bautz

Abraham Maslow, a Russian Jew whose parents immigrated from Europe to the United States of America to escape prosecution, is credited as being the most influential psychologist of the 20th Century. He introduced humanistic psychology to the world and published A Theory of Human Motivation in 1943, two years before the Russian Red Army would annihilate Hitler and his Nazi regime’s reign of genocide.

Originally, Maslow’s development of his infamous theory was a five-tier model before he expanded it to eight before his death. As a result, there are two categories of human needs within the model. The first four tiers consist of the lower needs, known as deficiency needs, and the top tiers are the upper needs, known as growth needs.

Although the visual model of the hierarchy presents each need with rigid categories in the shape of a pyramid, in actuality it is important to understand that the visual tiers of Maslow’s Hierarchy have fluidity amongst the 8 levels. Simply for clarification, the biological and physiological basic needs on tier one are required before a person — regardless of their culture or race — can begin to reach their highest potential and calling. 

As Maslow stated in his theory, “There are usually available various cultural paths to the same goal. Therefore conscious, specific, local-cultural desires are not as fundamental in motivation theory as the more basic, unconscious goals.” Maslow also emphasized that every individual is a unique person with varying experiences. 

Universally, the lower needs must be met in a person’s life, at least in part, for advancements in the human condition. The deprivation or abundance of the lower needs are motivational in various ways, and switch and shift based on external circumstances. Therefore, they are fluid. As such, Maslow’s brilliance revealed how base needs determine or direct the ambition within a person to achieve their higher needs and attain self-actualization.

Tier 1: Biological and Physiological Base Needs

The base needs must be consistent. They are biological and are the foundation of an individual’s life, which satisfy the physiological requirements that sustain life. Base needs involve oxygen, food, water, sleep and rest, clothing, shelter and warmth. 

With adults of consenting age, appropriate sexual activity between adults for reproduction purposes to ensure the survival of the human race is also considered a base need, when biologically possible. The parental instinct and desire to raise and nurture the next generation morally requires the strict exclusion of child abuse. This includes child thefts in various forms, including parental alienations and unjust child apprehensions to appease a toxic agenda, whether within the family or in the dominant society, such as with Indigenous child apprehensions. 

Without the base need requirements being met, a person enters and focuses on survival mode when a severe lack of food, water, shelter and other needs occur. Desperation sets in until the very basic needs that ensure a person’s physiological survival are met while all other needs become a secondary focus. 

Therefore, until the basic human requirements for physical survival are met, an individual’s drive, desire and motivation to achieve what Maslow explains as a person’s higher human needs, such as self-esteem and self-actualization, will not be met. 

Tier 2: Safety Needs

The second need or human requirement is security and protection. The importance of protection and personal safety creates stability in the individual’s life. This second crucial need requires safe environments and people, whether that be at home, at school, at work or in the community. 

Safety needs involve economic and social stability. Economic stability applies to both personal situations and within the demographic of the society, such as with steady employment. There is also a need to experience social stability and freedom from potential harm through various public resources, such as in healthcare.

The need for safety advocates for the importance of a life free from abuse and violence. It must not be determined by the preference of toxic individuals with agendas who reinforce instability while ignoring the safety of others, including children. 

Safety also involves the conduct of the individuals around the person. In a positive environment, there are various forms of structure with consistency and protection free from bias, including with agencies that provide community services to create a stable environment in all fields of employment. As a result, this tier includes healthcare consistency, government, educational institutions, security in employment and legal protections with various policies and laws. 

Tier 3: Belonging & Love Needs

Maslow’s third need to achieve success in life involves Belonging and Love needs. When a person is deprived of the first two tiers of the basic needs, Maslow states an individual will sneer at love. This is particularly true if the individual is deprived of loved ones, friendships and group acceptance, due to external influences in control dynamics. 

The social need of love and belongingness involves emotional connections, social acceptance and inclusion, group membership, community involvement and social affiliations. It involves intimate relationships, parent-child relationships, friendships and extended family relationships with a give and receive exchange of love.

The effects of social connections and bonds, particularly between parents and children, has adverse effects on whether the person feels isolated, rejected and lonely or a sense of belonging and love. 

Tier 4: Esteem Needs

The fourth need required in an individual’s life involves two types of esteem: Self-esteem and esteem derived from society in the form of groups, communities and the public at large. This tier involves becoming the best a person can be by setting and establishing personal goals, from parenting to pursuing a talent or academic achievements.

Self-esteem involves self-respect, dignity, independence, competency and mastery. Positive Self-esteem is not based on praise from others alone, or a celebrity type status which is not a result of individual merit. Esteem needs are derived from authentic and genuine achievements and mastery in an individual’s work, education, creative endeavour and life.

Esteem from others includes respect from the public, appreciation, reputation, status and recognition. It is based on accomplishments, such as Mastery, that are authentically recognized by the person’s peers, both personal and professional. 

 Individuals are also able to assist each other in times when there is a deprivation of a foundational need. In this way through education, the true motives of those around the individual are revealed. Still others in positions of agency and power who observe oppression are able to intervene, if they choose to. There are appropriate resources and supports in place to dismantle an agenda that deteriorates the human condition and results in violence in homes, schools and the community at large. 

As the infamous French Sociologist Pierre Bourdieu said, “I often say that sociology is a martial art, a means of self-defense. Basically, you use it to defend yourself, without having the right to use it for unfair attacks.” 

An educated public is a balanced society. Through understanding the first four tier needs, known as the lower needs, and fulfilling them, a person is able to transcend to the upper needs.

Every Friday, Sheila Wanite Bautz addresses various Sociological issues in laymen’s terms. Next Friday is part two of Maslow’s Fluid Pyramid of Needs, the upper needs. Sheila has dual Honour BAs with Majors in Sociology and English through the University of Saskatchewan. In Sociology, she specialized in Indigenous history, law, addictions and criminology.

Sizzling Sociology: Gang activity is not limited to the streets & includes thee elite

Sheila Wanite Bautz, Sizzling Sociology
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Sizzling Sociology: Gang activity is not limited to the streets & includes thee elite

In North America — Canada, the USA and Mexico — there is a requirement for a universal definition for the term gang. The word usage for gang often signifies a predisposed notion about youth and street gangs as the area of serious discussion. Yet, gang activity exists within corporations and various agencies that form the superstructure of a society, which I define as elite gangs due to their social status.  

Defining street and elite gangs 

The universal agreement about gangs, however, is that a gang consists of three or more individuals and involves a hierarchy with a ring leader(s). The leader(s) initiate a course of action that aligns with an existing collective ideology within a culture.  

Street gangs usually involve a small group of adults orchestrating criminal activity through their youth members who are minors. Elite gangs are composed of a collective adult membership, many who are professionals in various areas of the superstructure, which includes government. These professional entities can also demonstrate organized criminal agendas invoking various forms of violence against members of the public within a demographic.  

All gang members extend various forms of violence through a network of willing — and at times unwilling/unknowing — participants to create a chain reaction. 

Various forms of violence 

Sociology identifies various forms of violence in gang-related activity, such as physical and sexual violence. Psychological and emotional violence incorporates the sadistic strategy of vocalized threats and manipulation with the distinct intent to instill fear and high stress responses into targeted individuals. By doing so, the gang activity aims to activate a feeling of worthlessness, ridicule and humiliation into the  individual(s) through formal and informal control measures based on bias.  

The psychological intention behind blatant bias and unjustified attacks from a gang is to control the targeted individual’s behavior and diminish their capacity for popularity. It also intends to spark unjustified informal control through labelling the targeted individual(s) inaccurately to skew public perception. The agenda involves greatly incapacitating the victim’s social capital, which is a form of currency through connections with people. Social capital is crucial for a thriving existence. 

An additional tactic incorporated by attackers is an attempt to ensure deprivation and neglect are experienced by the victim(s). This includes attempts to make it extremely difficult or impossible for the targeted individual(s) to receive the resources they require, making them suffer because of it. In a healthy society using critical thinking, the gang-activity is identified as cruel, abnormal and unusual in punishment by healthy external witnesses who demonstrate a universal high moral compass, regardless of their ethnic backgrounds. 

The central motivator for gangs is economic motivation, which results in economic violence. At times, economic violence is subtle and sneaky, such as denying individuals financial supports through enforcing financial restrictions. This makes it impossible for the victim(s) to meet their basic human needs and basic survival requirements, which include housing, mobility, food and economic opportunities.   

Economic violence also includes control techniques, such as financial exhaustion through a legal system, unjust financial seizures of property or setting a targeted person up for financial failure and victimization. These malicious strategies continually create cash restrictions for the victim and impact important human rights, such as hiring a lawyer of their choosing to defend them. 

Both street and elite gang-activity also involve symbolic violence. The symbolism attached to the acts committed by the organized gang intends to dominate and destroy the targeted individual(s). The motive is to enforce upon the victim the bullying cultural structure and ideologies of the gang. The purpose is to condition the victim(s) to internalize the external narrative and successfully oppress them.  

All gangs practice collective violence. Elite gang members organize and actively participate in various forms of violence while in careers and privileged positions that allow them access to powerful social capital networks in society. As social capital is a type of non-monetary currency that is valuable, it involves a personal connection between people with various resources.  

Gangs target selected individual(s) for a reason, which includes opportunistic situations. They want to make examples of their targeted victim(s) to send a message, which is why they thrive on creating drama for trauma with an audience. The escalation from elite gangs sends an intended symbolic message to everyone witnessing the results of the violence, which is then internalized by the witnesses also. 

The resulting consequences for victim(s) eventually leads to deadly violent acts, either through a direct homicide, the targeted individual’s suicide or through the victim developing a critical illness due to the extensive stress. With regard to suicide, the violent offenders often avoid the consequences of criminal charges. The gang’s goal and purpose always leads to an attempt to achieve ideological agendas through a finalized physical violent act.  

The Mode of Operation for gangs 

Research from the federal Ministry of Justice outlines the Mode of Operation (MO) for street gangs, which is applicable to elite gangs in corporations and various professional agencies. The root of gangs is based on ideological goals developed and embraced by gang members. The gang members often demonstrate a tendency towards political or religious agendas through violent activities aiming to achieve the realization of the ideology.  

Elite gang activity involves the direct use of intimidation that often weaponizes the legal arena. Within the gang hierarchy, the leader(s) initiating the controlling activity are not necessarily members of the legal professions. Instead, the leader(s) may be from outside the professional structure, but motivated to network with socially aligned individuals sharing the same ideologies within the system to achieve a collective cultural agenda. The goal for the alignment is to promote and protect a collective ideology inside and out.  

For instance, a group of like-minded professionals within the field of law create connections with members in the healthcare field, various protective services and educational institutions. This form of social capital is required for a collective goal of equality that stabilizes and maintains a healthy society where everyone has equal rights. However, in a toxic and biased (sub)culture, it is dangerous. 

The reality is the targeted individual(s) is a perceived threat as a competitor challenging the gang’s ideology. The gang members believe the challenger must be weakened and eliminated through various forms of violence. 

Much like street gangs are associated with criminal activity due to their symbolic clothing and gang colours, the same association applies for professionals who wear a suit, uniform or lab coat. The manner of attire triggers members of the public with an association to either safety and equality or injustice, violence, oppression and bias. Visual association is powerful and based on individual experiences and interactions with a representative of the organization, whether on the street or in the office. It works both ways.  

In the past, elite gangs enjoyed immunity to accountability due to either the lack of evidence, victim exhaustion or a tight network ensuring no consequence resulted in many cases. However, governments are also bound to the members of their collective group with administrative laws existing when violations occur.  

Every Friday, Sheila Wanite Bautz addresses various Sociological issues in laymen’s terms. Sheila has dual Honour BAs with Majors in Sociology and English through the University of Saskatchewan. In Sociology, she specialized in Indigenous history, law, addictions and criminology. 

Sizzling Sociology: The Four I’s of the Oppressive Monster

Sheila Wanite Bautz, Sizzling Sociology
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Sizzling Sociology: The Four I’s of the Oppressive Monster

Sheila Wanite Bautz

My last column addressed coercive control, which is a form of networking to achieve a goal that ensures dominance and complete control over a targeted individual with a goal to oppress, disempower and rewrite the script about who they are and what their position in society is. This week’s column briefly explores the four ‘I’ monsters of oppression, which in some cases, invariably ends up creating monsters in the least expected places. 

The four forms of oppression are known as Ideological, Institutional, Interpersonal and Internalized. It is important to understand that all four I’s are instrumentally working together. This exists in any area of the superstructure, including education, which may ultimately lead some individuals – but certainly not all – to retaliate with some form of violence as a result, including suicide.

Ideological Oppression

Oppressive systems share the ideological beliefs that they are superior to those they target, who are viewed as inferior. The individuals aligning with the ideological belief have a self and group perception that they are more deserving, more advanced and that their beliefs are normal. In a predominant group, normalization of the culture occurs whether the culture is toxic or healthy. 

As a result, the dominant individuals either consciously or unconscientiously enforce oppressive and degrading attributes to their targeted individuals. These attributes include, but are not limited to, labels such as being lazy, incompetent and worthless. This becomes a form of dehumanization that justifies in the minds of oppressors the right to enforce inequality and violations to human rights. 

Therefore, Ideological oppression often demonstrates attributes such as a clear bias and stereo-type about the targeted individual in the eyes of outsiders looking in who quickly identify the human rights and Constitutional rights violations. 

Institutional Oppression

It is all about inequality with Institutional oppression. Institutional oppression involves the superstructure in a functioning society. The superstructure consists of law, government, financial intuitions, media, education and healthcare. 

However, it is important to note that it is the individuals within the institutions that are committing the crime of oppression, not the institution itself, which is an inanimate object. Individuals representing the institution will often ignore the institution’s own up-dated and amended laws, policies, procedures, rules and codes of conduct in Canada.

Interpersonal Oppression

When a collective group of individuals within an institution align with the shared mentality and cultural values of inequality, this leads to interpersonal oppression. Interpersonal oppression is the belief that one group is better than another group, which they then justify within their targeted selection of individuals as deserving of poor treatment, lack of opportunity and biased decisions that are imposed on the individual who is targeted. 

However, what is not allowed by the oppressors is a retaliation from the oppressed person or group. The oppressed individuals are not allowed to criticize the oppressors or demonstrate, for instance, a developed racism against the oppressive group. Interpersonal oppression from a dominant, controlling group does not tolerate being treated the same as those who are oppressed or denied their rights, because they feel superior and that the rules do not apply to them.

Internalization

Internalization occurs for both the oppressors and their targets who become victims of the oppression. Internalization refers to the self-perceptions of an individual who is involved and having the experience. Both the perpetrator and the targeted individual will internalize the narrative about their self — particularly when the acts are repeated with the same outcomes repeatedly, like a form of conditioning that results in actions and outcomes proving the internal narrative due to exterior pressures. However, this may have a boomerang effect.  

The members of the aligned dominant culture internalize a feeling of superiority with being in a position of power, which exists in their minds. The power tripping is due to the perception that they are superior, which they internalize. This leads to others aligning with the individual, either through the force of their acceptance of the individual’s demonstration of control and power or through a shared superiority of their position as a member of the dominant culture. 

Inequality results with those they have targeted as inferior to them. The targets may in turn internalize the label of being inferior, which is supported by the continued inequality and bias that becomes evident.

When individuals in the professional fields assist and align with the aggressor to achieve a predetermined outcome, they do so to fulfill their agenda and ensure power imbalances remain. It leaves a message to the target about the stereo-type they must fit into. It is strategized by oppressors that the victim must accept their new identity assigned to them, as they are labelled and shown that they must submit to their position in the society as is assigned to them by the oppressors.

To be optimum in effectiveness, institutional participation is strategized to enforce maintaining power imbalances. It systematically intends to reinforce the dominance of the oppressor and the degradation of the targets who are victims, including with attempts to discredit the target through blatant bias. 

When it comes to abusers and their partners in the legal system enforcing coercive control, the internalized narrative is a self-belief about their superiority and how they want others to view both the targeted individual as inferior and they as superior. The goal is to chisel away at the self-worth of the targeted victim so that the victim also internalizes the feeling of inferiority.  

As I mentioned, internalization is systematically intended to reinforce the dominance the individuals who enjoy a position of power and prestige through the power of the institution, which is often not based on their own merit in blatant cases of bias. The very existence of the targeted individual is a threat to the illusion of the dominant culture and their superiority. 

When oppressed people internalize the ideology of inferiority appointed to them by their oppressors, they also witness it reflected in the institutions the oppressors represent. They experience the disrespect from members of the dominant group, and they may eventually come to internalize the negative messages about themselves if they have been successfully isolated by the oppressor.

Individuals who are successfully oppressed internalize a low self-worth while the institution chisels away at their resources to defend themselves, including financially. A sense of injustice begins to take hold with the repeated abuse that forces victims to face the false illusion that the dominant group will never be held accountable. When the victim does attempt to exercise their rights, the oppressors are ready to punish the oppressed further for the legal retaliatiin. This leads to two options that remain for the target to express their feelings, either towards themself or towards the group of oppressors. This can result in positive social outcomes and humanitarian progress or spiral into toxic consequences.

As the Chinook Fund from Parents Defending Education eloquently explain, there is a real risk that “Acting out internalized oppression runs the gamut from passive powerlessness to violent aggression” in those who have been targeted and expected to endure the weight of oppression for long periods of time. The real solution is through self-care, aligning with healthy individuals and contributing to change in a non-violent way while exposing the truth.

Every Friday, Sheila Wanite Bautz addresses various Sociological issues in laymen’s terms. Sheila has dual Honour BAs with Majors in Sociology and English through the University of Saskatchewan. In Sociology, she specialized in Indigenous history, law, addictions and criminology.

Sizzling Sociology: The factors that affect people’s resistance to social change

Sheila Wanite Bautz, Sizzling Sociology
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Sizzling Sociology: The factors that affect people’s resistance to social change

In last week’s column, the law was addressed as an instrument of social change. This week’s column briefly addresses the four main types of resistance to social change that are interwoven. They consist of social factors, economic factors, psychological factors and cultural factors that are evident in all members of society resisting social change.

 At the core of resistance to social change revolves financial wealth in North America, where the financial aspects determine what someone is worth. Wealth equates to a perception about power. It also defines and creates a social class and social stratification, much like a measuring of a person’s value in mainstream society. The dominant value system within North America is in attaining more material items, which in turn equates to power and social status.

The main component for resistance to social change is due to a shift in power dynamics. It is inevitable that social change compromises some members of society while enhancing the social standing of others. Individuals within the society who have suffered through oppression or are identified as members requiring the basic human right for equality for instance, initiates the shift to redefine status within the society through social changes. These types of social changes may not psychologically align with individuals who experienced an extended period of time having formal and informal control methods shape and reinforce a psychological barrier revolving around who enjoys status. This affects their perceptions about social change.

The psychological factors also include every individual’s ability to process the change and either accept it or reject it based on their own core values. The perception of fairness or legitimacy of the new shift occuring in the collective culture within the existing society may create a chaotic environment as the transition occurs. Individuals experiencing a loss of wealth, power and prestige due to the social change know their vested interests and prior privileges may be jeopardized.

Habits are hard to break. Resistance to social changes often occur due to developed habits repeated over and over. Social change challenges these habits and existing ideologies, which are the foundation for defining where a person’s position is in society, many times based on economic and political policies.

Due to the fact that social change creates a power shift, even when it is an equalizer to ensure that all Canadians enjoy the same rights, freedoms and opportunities, the loss of power for those who traditionally enjoyed a status and privilege over generations can motivate resistance. The social change forces them to shift their world view, the foundation of who they are, and face the issue and reality of others to be elevated with equality.

A social shift in power, whether negative or positive, may simply spark resistance due to ignorance about the issues. When a lack of knowledge is present, fear enters about a foreign and new idea being injected into society. Resistance continues when there are selective perceptions about the reason for the change and the internal measuring about what is morally right and wrong by the individuals resisting the change. This again includes how they are socialized into accepting particular thought patterns and accepted social norms.

Shifts in power may also spark a gathering of people without the power they feel they deserve. This results in organizing groups in opposition to social changes. Often times, the motivation to do so results from the perception of lacking power and agency in the social climate where they experienced racism, bias and oppression. Agency is simply when people voice and express their desire to remain independent in their decision making when it comes to their life choices and decisions. Often times, this type of resistance from a group involves their financial resources being controlled and taken from them.

In addition, the perception about what is happening during a social change may either frighten them or sooth them, depending on whether or not their morals, integrity, and belief systems align with the social changes. They may also experience a deep mistrust in the newly developed social change, feel a range of emotions such as frustration, anger, terror, while mentally processing what exactly the changes mean for their ability to thrive and survive to various degrees.

Due to this, individuals experiencing the social climate and changes may become divergent within the new culture emerging. This puts them at risk. They may suddenly find themselves demoted and ridiculed by a group that once looked to them as their leader. Their mode of dress may be changed by force, their language may be forbidden, their spiritual practices may be condemned. They find themselves an outsider who can no longer reason with the newly embraced changes occurring within the culture through the social change. What was once tradition and a society that functioned with predictability becomes unpredictable, along with new rules and conduct that are being established.

The natural, primitive human response for those who do not embrace the social change may involve the classic “fight, flight or freeze” response to the developing, or sudden, social change. The change stimulates an upset within the society and existing culture as the new order and power shift stipulates new conduct, laws, etiquettes, and traditions, and situates members within the group into a state of vulnerability or security, depending on whether or not they view the social change to the culture as positive or negative. This is because they may or may not share the values of the newly formed culture that the social change and its policies brought.

An example of this is Nazi Germany in World War II and the Jews, Polish and Russians, who had to suddenly adjust to the new Nazi regimes expectations. It began with the Jewish community, who had prospered spiritually, physically and financially. Hitler’s regimes ensured through his private police force that Jewish people had their livelihoods, businesses and homes taken from them.

Suddenly, Jews found themselves in a position of being forced to submit to sub-standard living conditions and qualities of life when not arrested. Next, they were forced into fleeing and going into hiding. Upon the arrest of Jews, it became worse, including with humiliation and mass deaths. The devaluation of existing cultures that once thrived.

Many Jewish people, and Polish and Russians, as well as the rest of the world were forced into the “fight, flight, or freeze” survival mode. Every genocide seeks to destroy the social hierarchy, the psychological state, and the culture of their targeted groups. Although this is an extreme and historical case, it is the one I am presenting as a powerful example of the impact social change has on societies.

People are motivated when they are bound by their cultures and what they value as either an informal law or a formal law. Societies are also socialized into particular patterns of thought.

Every Friday in Prince Albert’s Daily Herald, Sheila Wanite Bautz addresses various Sociological issues in laymen’s terms for her readers. Sheila achieved dual Honours BAs with Majors in Sociology and English at the University of Saskatchewan. She is a journalist with the Prince Albert Daily Herald, Rural Roots and The Northern Advocate.

Sizzling Sociology: Law as an instrument of social change

Sheila Wanite Bautz, Sizzling Sociology
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Sizzling Sociology: Law as an instrument of social change

In a healthy country or region, laws are created to equalize power balances amongst the masses and exercise citizen’s rights. No one is above the law in a democracy. The laws are intended to represent what the people as a collective feel is a sense of justice with appropriate action —  and conduct – in order to function within a progressive and just society. The same rules are to be applied to individuals employed in the legal arena.

The creation of a law enters a process that is initiated by a public need and flows through the representatives in a governing body. For instance, laws are created by a federal or provincial government who represent the people and must be passed in legislature with a vote. The individuals employed in various areas of law are expected to obey the laws they represent, and enforce them on behalf of the government. The legal arena is composed of police, lawyers and the judicial representatives. As a result, laws are intended to reflect the values of the dominant culture within a particular demographic, such as a province or country.

Government policies and laws are an attempt to enforce social change within an existing culture. At times, existing laws are amended to reflect, refine and clarify them so as to minimize misinterpretation of the law. Fine tuning laws and providing education on the laws is a demonstration of transparency to achieve a collective understanding in society that ensures consistency in the law —  after consultation with various sub-cultures that create the unified collective group.

Yet, laws will always meet resistance in some capacity.

The influence of an existing, dominant culture is notoriously one of the most difficult things to change and creates clashes. Laws with the intent of social change are only as effective as the cultural beliefs of those enforcing the laws. For instance, positive laws for equality may face passive aggressive resistance from a sub-group of individuals within the legal system who do not agree with them. This results in bias decisions and the desire to target members of the sub-group that the law is intended to protect equally.

Opposition to laws and social change always occur to some degree, even when it aims towards a more balanced and progressive evolution of a society within a legal system. This often results with the realization that those who benefited from the positions of authority with privileges will lose power due to the new or amended law, as the changes challenge their core values as well.

There are many examples where, regardless of the progress with policies, laws and legal amendments, a pre-existing sub-culture within a legal system supports the sabotage of new and progressive laws from becoming effective. This brings on another debate about the rule of law, which is another article.

The public who embraces and supports the progress of equality and consistency in society, such as with equal rights for all people regardless of race, ethnicity and gender, may find themselves confused about the legal system defying their own laws set in place. Legal representatives may also blatantly ignore laws through the concept of law being subject to interpretation.

Raw and real, laws are about power. When the law becomes inconsistent and unpredictable, this causes the general public to acquire a mistrust in the legal system. 

The saying, ‘It all depends on your judge’ enforces and further creates an inconsistency within the law, which defiles the legal structures in Canada. The law in Canada advocates for consistency and a faith in a just and fair system, with many legal professionals aligning with this as well. When the legal system enforces a divide that becomes a ‘luck of the draw’ when it comes to bringing a case before a judge, or worse, lawyers who illegally seek what is known as judge shopping, the frustration resounds throughout the social cohesion of a society. Yet, the mantra splashed liberally throughout merchandise targeting lawyers boasts the slogan, “A good lawyer knows the law, a great lawyer knows the judge”.

Patterns matter. Many cases brought before the courts in various demographics remain covert with injustice, revealing a pattern. They set new precedents and legal social norms as ultimately defined by a person appointed to a bench. Historically, there are many famous cases in Saskatchewan with more surfacing.

Inevitably, legal cases that demonstrate a trend occurring within court decisions is evidence of an open demonstration of injustice. This promotes valid mistrust in the legal system. The cases brought before the courts in various demographics attempt to remain covert with injustice, which sets new precedents.

Legal professionals outside the demographic also witness what is happening in a prairie pocket, and see it clearly as outsiders. Fortunately, such legal professionals who shame the radical behaviour of a legal sub-culture in demographic pockets may result from the guilty by association mentality. Representation matters, such as the example of lawyer’s professional misconduct. This is highly effective, along with public pressure.

Historically, the law is an instrument with the ability to determine the areas of power and potential power shifts. There are always groups opposed to the new laws. The real issue occurs when those expected to represent the law are opposed to the new laws. Collectively, the people hold the greatest power, which at times, the illusion presented to the public is that they are powerless.

Voice is important, and how that voice is used. Social movements can pressure governments to change laws, make new laws or draw attention to those within the law not obeying the entity that they vow to represent – and the public pays for it.

It always comes down to power, and who is empowered.

When the law demonstrates consistency free of bias, it is a highly effective instrument for progressive and social change that places all members of the society on equal ground. In this way, the consistency demonstrates the values of the people within the society where the law is made.

The criteria for social order and a fluid and prosperous society include various factors. One factor occurs when the law is a result of an authoritative, well respected and prestigious source. Another factor is demonstrated through sound rationale that makes sense to the public and is compatible with their existing cultural values and morals. The law should demonstrate a rapid change within the society with those hired in various positions of the legal arena showing a commitment to the positive change, not a resistance that leads to punishing law abiding citizens by demonstrating a clear bias and contempt for the law.

Fair and just legal systems enforcing the law are a powerful way to create a wonderfully potent and high functioning society that unites and binds the population. It is highly effective with deterring criminal actions when laws are consistent, clear and fair with equal application to every member in society, including those within the legal arenas. No one is suppose to be above the law, which is considered a binding force.

Every Friday, Sheila Wanite Bautz addresses various Sociological issues in laymen’s terms. Next Friday, Sheila addresses the resistance to social change. Sheila has dual Honour BAs with Majors in Sociology and English through the University of Saskatchewan. In Sociology, she specialized in Indigenous history, law, addictions and criminology.

Ozzy Osbourne Tribute: The Godfather of Heavy Metal’s extended legacy

Sheila Wanite Bautz, Sizzling Sociology
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Ozzy Osbourne Tribute: The Godfather of Heavy Metal’s extended legacy

It is with international sadness the world mourns a legendary trailblazer in music. The mortal man with an immortal presence left a profound and enigmatic legacy. Simply, he is known as Ozzy.

Although a standard tribute has its place with showcasing that Ozzy was born in Birmingham, England, that he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice – once with Black Sabbath and as a Solo Artist – the list goes on. However, Ozzy was more than the accolades he received.

Gene Simmons, the persona for five decades with the legendary heavy metal band KISS, gave a heartfelt description of Ozzy. Simmons emphasized Ozzy is a one-of-a-kind man with ultra unique vocals, originality and unwavering authenticity. A rare find. 

“People think of him as the Prince of Darkness, and on stage, of course, this huge persona, a giant, but at the same time, a loving father and a dedicated husband,” said Simmons. “You can say whatever you want about Ozzy. There never was an Ozzy before Ozzy. You can’t really point to anybody and say, ‘Oh, yeah, that’s where he came from.’ Scientists call that a singularity, an anomaly.”

Authentic and real, Ozzy demonstrated his rebel spirit early in his career through his abilities to be a master performer. In 1968, he became the front man for the pioneering heavy metal band, Black Sabbath, with band members Geezer Butler, Tony Lommi and Bill Ward. After noticing how people immensely enjoyed horror films, the four members of the newly formed rock band came up with the idea to incorporate horror elements into their music and performances. At times, Ozzy’s energy on stage, and presence, caused fear.

Due to addictions, Ozzy was fired from the group. He hit rock bottom and that is when Sharon stepped in. He credits Sharon “my wife” for saving his life and career by managing the wild man.

Recently, the Farewell tour with Black Sabath was an enormous success. As predetermined before the tour began, the resulting $190 million in revenue is being equally distributed to Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Acorn Children’s Hospice and Cure Parkinsons.

Animal Advocacy

Not only did Ozzy write lyrics and music, he was also a fierce animal advocate. He supported numerous causes for pets, endangered species and publicly announced his deeply passionate guard of wildlife in the Amazon. Ozzy strongly believed in stopping Wildlife Trophy Hunting, making a statement on November 17, 2024. 

“Trophy hunters are totally crazy,” said Ozzy. “You’ve got to be barking to kill an innocent animal and then take photos of yourself laughing about it. We’ve all got to do our bit. I like to design things so I’ve done a t-shirt for the Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting. The government said it would ban hunting trophies, so get on with it! Tell your MP you want it banned right now!”

Ozzy also created artwork, which included what he called an artistic collaboration with a group of chimpanzees this year.          

“I paint because it gives me peace of mind, but I don’t sell my paintings,” said Ozzy. “I’ve made an exception with these collaborations as it raises money for Save the Chimps, a sanctuary for hundreds of apes rescued from labs, roadside zoos and wildlife traffickers.”

On July 10, Ozzy elaborated about the paintings, “Each signed painting is named for one of my songs, and there are only five.”

The paintings are entitled Blizzard of Ozz, Technical Ecstasy, Tattooed Dancer, Paranoid and Electric Funeral. Their auction ended on July 17.

“Ozzy Osbourne was a legend and a provocateur,” said People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) after the Rock Legend’s passing, “but PETA will remember the “Prince of Darkness” most fondly for the gentle side he showed to animals—most recently cats, by using his fame to decry painful, crippling declawing mutilations.”

Authentic Inspiration

Ozzy’s electrifying performances were epic. As the Godfather of Heavy Metal, for nearly six decades Ozzy inspired millions of people in various generations and all mediums of creativity.

The Immortal Prince of Darkness, with a soft and highly empathetic core, brought shards of inspiration to light and ignite the greatest music and literary works. He also comforted the downtrodden, revved up the rebels and soothed listeners. Ozzy was instrumental in assisting new heavy metal musicians, such as Metallica, Guns and Roses, Judas Priest and Lita Ford.

The ripple effect of his influence touched the lives of countless people throughout his lifetime. Ozzy influenced this writer’s literary works too.

Genetic Testing

Within his DNA, Ozzy’s enigma revealed a confirmed scientific wonder. In his memoir, I Am Ozzy, he stated he would donate his body to science after his death.

However, in 2010, Harvard University initiated genetic testing on Ozzy. His blood samples were sent to Cofactor Genomics for DNA sequencing. Those results were sent to another company, Knome, which analyzes human genomes. Sixty-one years old at the time, Ozzy wrote about his genetic testing in his column with The Times of London.

“The only Gene I know anything about is the one in KISS,” Ozzy reported.

Harvard authorized that his genetics are indeed mutated. Throughout Ozzy’s life he survived extreme drug use and serious health conditions, including a 24-hour diagnosis of AIDS that is documented. The university also disclosed that part of Ozzy’s genetic mutation affects how his brain processes dopamine. Nature’s genetic selection alterations in Ozzy’s genome also contribute to his rare genius and creativity.

The originator of the Ozzy genetics project, known as Chris for confidentiality purposes, explored Ozzy’s DNA structure. Through Ozzy’s column, he reported what Chris concluded about his results.

“Look, Mr. Osbourne,” Chris said, “after studying your history, taking your blood, extracting your genes from the white cells, making them readable, sequencing them, analysing and interpreting the data using some of the most advanced technology available in the world today–and of course comparing your DNA against all the current research in the US National Library of Medicine, not to mention the 18th revision of the public human reference genome–I think I can say with a good deal of confidence why you’re still alive.”

Having Ozzy’s full attention and inquiry, Chris simply answered, “Sharon.”

Soul Mates

Ozzy is reknown for his deep love for his soul mate, Sharon. Together, they continued his musical empire and brought authentic, brilliant, lively and unconventional children into this world. Ozzy’s love for Sharon and his devotion to his family are the foundation of his legendary legacy. 

On July 22, 2025, just seventeen days after his Farewell tour Back to the Beginning, Ozzy transitioned from this world to the other side due to his six-year battle with Parkinson’s disease.

On July 30, 2025, in Ozzy’s hometown of Birmingham, a band playing his iconic songs led his weaving procession of black sedans throughout the streets. The magnitude of memorials with flowers, personal notes and items are being gathered for the love of his life and their family to treasure.

Sizzling Sociology: The difference between Formal and Informal Control

Sheila Wanite Bautz, Sizzling Sociology
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Sizzling Sociology: The difference between Formal and Informal Control

Sheila Bautz

Special to the Herald

There are two types of social control within a society: formal and informal control. Both types of control have powerful negative and positive effects on individuals within that social structure. Through repetitive patterns, the type of control utilized within a social structure becomes normalized over time to create and reinforce a culture. Cultures can be difficult to change once established.

The positive side of formal and informal control creates a sense of community with the power to greatly deter certain actions from its members. The actions are considered socially unacceptable. In a healthy society, socially unacceptable actions include crimes such as thefts, violence or vandalism. However, when toxic conduct is accepted, there is a negative result in both types of social control that can spiral into inhumane toxicity. 

Depending on where you live in the world, the social environment determining what is and is not tolerated by the society will directly impact what the society normalizes. 

Formal Control

Formal control involves government and law, with specialized agencies to enforce written laws, policies and rules on behalf of the state. This type of control involves a complex society with many specialized and orderly sub-groups who are expected to enforce the proper procedures, protocols, standard techniques, laws, codes and regulations as legally determined. It formally establishes the conduct expected of the members within the society to establish the modes of behavior required by, and enforced upon, the public by these specialized agencies.  

Formal control is a way to regulate the lives of people. Societies with multiple and complex formal laws are a measuring system for sociologists. It is an indication about the amount of social control desired by governing bodies over members of the population. The more laws, the greater the desire to control members of the population. 

The goal of formal control is to make life as orderly as possible for the government. It is a political strategy and a way to legalize social norms for what the government feels is a productive society. It is arguably a technique to suit an agenda. In a democracy particularly, the power of determining appropriate conduct for the society is supposed to be determined by citizens. However, the reality is that the true power is held in the legal system and through the courts put in place by the government to ensure that the laws the public wants result in justice. This confirms a just society. 

Formal control involves strategic punishments. By its very design, it is intended to invoke intentional pain and suffering on an individual who defies the accepted social norms. The goal is often to implement incapacitation, such as confinement, and restrict freedom of movement. It also includes intentional humiliation and shaming to cause embarrassment, set examples to the public and in return, control the masses.

Financial sanctions are another form of punishment with formal control. This is most often used to set an example to the public for manipulation and control of the public at large. For instance, financial punishments and sanctions have a purpose to deplete resources from members of the society. In the negative sense, this can become an abuse of power resulting in financial abuse.

For example, when countries are sanctioned, it does not necessarily hurt the government members who receive them. Instead, it is a symbolic shaming about the value placed on a culture by causing a depletion and deterioration of the financial state with an attack on the citizens. Many sociologists logically argue and oppose sanctions due to the reality that sanctions inflict suffering on the citizens within a country and can become extreme in cases, such as starving people. Sanctions make people physically suffer in various ways due to their leaders failing to conform to another country’s cultural values. 

At times, the intent of sanctions have an undercurrent of malice intended to deprive people of their pride, sense of self-worth and deplete their quality and standard of living. It is a form of shaming and control. Other times, sanctions are required to right wrongs and ensure those suffering from injustice receive financial retribution.

Formal control enforces obedience for the law, rules of conduct and expectations that revolves around, and is rewarded or punished with, finances. 

Informal Control

Informal social control involves unwritten laws and rules to establish a set of norms within a group. It creates or involves a distinct culture, or sub-culture. Culture embodies the values, morals, language, dress, beliefs and conduct about what is expected within a family or a community. 

Every community and culture is constructed with informal social control techniques. Although the (sub)culture will have leaders, there is no formal leadership designated to any member. Informal control is simply a collective agreement about the unwritten rules for functioning within a social group. The rules may change spontaneously for certain members of that gropu, whether they are willing participants or not.  

 Naturally, as with all things, informal control can be positive or negative, depending on what is considered socially acceptable behaviour and conduct within the group. It has the mantra “we don’t do that here” from the collective group.

Informal control and the determination of the rules include defining the social norms for the group. Part of the norms include the rules for appropriate attire, the language and its usage, the conduct and that behavior that is expected and accepted by the community. 

For instance, a community may expect young women to marry at 20 years old, have a child within the first year and cut their hair short after their wedding to morph their appearance as is expected by the community. Another community may expect young women to attain an education, find a career and marry if they choose. The informal rules of a group or community can be drastically different even if the communities are a 20-minute drive from each other.

To fail to conform to the established informal control and unwritten rules of acceptable behaviour, poses the risk for becoming a target in many forms, including as an outcast. The techniques to regain informal control of an individual result in positive or negative reinforcement. When it comes to abusive informal control, families and communities’ resort to gossip, slander, ostracism, and cruel and dehumanizing measures. 

The expectation is for each member to know the unwritten rules, which are usually disclosed through direct face to face and personal interactions. As informal control is a collective group consensus, the entire culture of the community controls everyone’s behavior, which can create malice intent and inflict punishments, such harming reputations unjustly. It can also serve to uplift new members who find a sense of relief through finding a community that shares their values, integrity and morals. The positive alignments create heightened peace and prosperity for everyone involved.

In instances of abusive situations, the collective cohesion is a strategic motive to prevent disclosure about the unwritten rules to a wider population. Many times, this is a sure sign that the informal control operating within the group is toxic, but not always. Privacy is another matter. 

Every Friday, Sheila Wanite Bautz addresses various Sociological issues in laymen’s terms. The next article addresses how law is an instrument of social change. Sheila has dual Honour BAs with Majors in Sociology and English through the University of Saskatchewan. In Sociology, she specialized in Indigenous history, law, addictions and criminology. 

Sizzling Sociology: The difference between traditional, transitional and modern legal systems

Sheila Wanite Bautz, Sizzling Sociology
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Sizzling Sociology: The difference between traditional, transitional and modern legal systems

Culture determines a society’s legal structure and system. It defines the rules within the established social structure and the transformations the legal system may take to determine socially acceptable behaviour. Three main legal system structures are believed to exist and are known as Traditional legal systems, Transitional legal systems and Modern legal systems. 

Traditional Legal Systems

Traditional legal systems are void of man-made laws in a traditional society. As a result, they are based on ancient cultural beliefs, spirituality and/or religious doctrines, cultural values, and ancient customs and traditions. The law that dominates a traditional legal system is that of a Supreme Being or Creator. This legal system avoids man-made amendments to laws that may result from a focus on personal and political agendas.

There are no written laws or codified laws in a traditional legal system. Instead, the laws are based on thousands of years of traditions, ancient doctrines, wisdom, and knowledge that is passed on from generation to generation without alterations. Leaders can often be identified and selected from an early age due to their natural tendencies and personality traits backed by their actions as proof or evidence. 

In many traditional societies, the power of the leadership involves kin leaders, chiefs, a council of Elders and other individuals in a position of spiritual leadership and respect. These members of the culture also serve as political leaders and judges to determine the outcomes of events that violate the code of ethics and socially acceptable behaviour within a culture. 

Throughout history, various types of religious leaders were also viewed as divine royalty who served as judges, such as the biblical King Solomon from the Old Testament in the Bible. The requirement for procedural courts and the policing of individuals within a traditional society occur only when the need arises in order to determine the outcome of an offense that has taken place within the society. When there is a punishment determined for a violation committed, the punishment must fit the crime. This is believed to create justice and balances the social equilibrium that is reflective with critical thinking and appropriate action pending the circumstances of the alleged crimes committed against a society. 

As a result, in a traditional legal structure there are no professional careers specializing in particular areas of the law. When the need arises for a type of legal procedure or hearing due to an event potentially requiring disciplinary action, the role is filled by the spiritual leadership with political influence. This involves substantive and procedural laws. 

Substantive laws consist of the duties and rights of the members within the culture. This type of law also determines the forbidding of certain actions with a social agreement about everyone’s obligations that determine the moral compass and acceptable conduct within the culture. Substantive laws determine what is morally and ethically acceptable or unacceptable, the right or wrong conduct within the socially cohesive group. 

Procedural laws focus on enforcing and defending the established acceptable conduct within a society. This includes the moral integrity, societal obligations and duties that determine the rights of individuals in the culture. It also determines the way the collective group in the culture will proceed in accomplishing the obligations determined for the functioning of the society. This includes the code of ethics in which the society functions smoothly.  

Transitional Legal Systems 

The transitional legal system and laws evolved when the advancement of agriculture urbanization began in the late 1700’s and early 1800’s in England. This time period is known as the early and late Romantic era due to the writers of the day advocating for the continued belief in the supernatural, signs in nature and a more spiritual base for their moral guidance on what was right and what was wrong within the realms of human existence.  

 The early Romantic era brought the construction of railways and trains, which made transportation much more efficient. However, in Britain, the controversy of the destruction of the natural world, the forests and nature were hotly debated with the rise of the industrial revolution bring machinery on the scene. Authors and writers at the time advocated for the conservation of both nature and the supernatural, such as William Blake and Mary Shelley who wrote the infamous Frankenstein. The trains also contained traveling libraries. 

Due to the advancement in transportation during the early 1800’s, many rural people started to migrate to urban areas, such as London, searching for work and a permanent residency in a city setting. 

Transitional law is a more complex system of law that evolved, thus its name. This was also at a time when land ownership and organized religion sprouted a more complex legal system with the advancing development of formal education. The more complex legal system emerged with the development of man-made laws, strict hierarchies, rules and regulations, urbanization and land ownership. 

During the time of transitional law, the court system became more complex with professionals specializing in various areas to establish a more complex legal and court system. The establishment involves judges, defense lawyers, prosecutors, court administrators, officials, policing services and the meticulous documenting of court proceedings.      

In transitional law eras within societies, government creates the laws while implementing the services of police forces. As a result, the inequalities of power, prestige and wealth emerge in this form of law as politics and influence develop and increase. Litigants also present their cases before juries, if they were allowed to under the law that prohibited groups like Indigenous people from securing a lawyer. 

In Canada, the Indian Act banned First Nations and other Indigenous people from hiring lawyers to defend themselves between 1927 to 1951. It remained difficult for Indigenous people throughout the 60’s to secure legal representation, as is the power of culture.  

The complexity of transitional law includes various areas of specialization emerging in the branches of public law, private law, criminal law, and tort law. A distinction between public and private law emerged. Public law addressed the relationship between the government and members of the public, while also dealing with the structure of the government. Transitional law defines what the duties and powers of government officials are.  Private law is often used by corporations, professionals and small businesses as it assists with non-political regulations and relations.

Criminal law and Tort law also emerged as distinct areas. Criminal law deals with the public, communities and the government while tort law handles private legal disputes, such as in lawsuits. 

Modern Legal Systems

In our modern legal system, administrative law rose to define procedures. The hierarchies of laws branch out and are composed of local, regional and constitutional laws. The court systems can become tricky and confusing as federal and provincial governments have legal jurisdiction over different areas of court. For instance, the Court of King’s bench is a federal court with federally appointed judges.  

In local laws, the small demographic can make their own rules to an extent, such as dog by-laws where dog tags are required in town. In a regional or provincial law, residents must obey the rules, such as speed limits that are set for safety. In constitutional law, governments at various levels cannot tax each other. 

Within the modern legal systems, the concept and impression that is promoted to the public is that the courts and legal arena are impartial, rational, reasonable and impersonal. However, what lies beneath the presentation is another matter at times depending on the cultural beliefs of the ruling bodies. Every Friday, Sheila Wanite Bautz addresses various Sociological issues in laymen’s terms. Sheila has dual Honour BAs with Majors in Sociology and English through the University of Saskatchewan. In Sociology, she specialized in Indigenous history, law, addictions and criminology.