Many criminologists have taken conformity to following the "rules" of society for granted, as if it were a natural state or progression in human development. When one reaches a certain age a person speaks a certain language, complies with societal rules, mores, and laws, for example - obeying traffic laws, not speaking rudely to others, or acting offensively in public. In fact, conformity is largely influenced by moral judgments. Great effort is expended by parents, teachers, and the individual to create the internalization of morality constraint to assure conformity. However, some social control theorist argued that conformity cannot be taken for granted, and crime and delinquency may be more the result of a poorly internalized morality system, if social controls are less than completely effective.
Question: From the perspective of human nature and social order, why do people conform? Why do others not conform? Who decides what is morally right or wrong? Why does this matter to criminologists and criminal justice policymakers?
Must be at least 150 words.