Which term refers to the rules that typically govern members of a group?

The term that refers to the rules that typically govern members of a group is social control. Social control encompasses the ways in which a society regulates individual behavior, ensuring that members adhere to established norms and rules. This concept includes both formal mechanisms, such as laws and regulations, and informal mechanisms, like social expectations and cultural norms.

When discussing social control, it is essential to recognize that it underpins societal order and stability by influencing behavior within groups. It helps maintain harmony and predictability in social interactions, contributing to the overall functioning of a society. The concept illustrates the collective agreement on acceptable behavior and the expectations placed upon individuals within various contexts, such as family, community, or larger societal structures.

While formal and informal sanctions are related to how social control can be exerted (through rewards or punishments for adherence to or deviation from group rules), the broader term encompassing these influences is social control. Social cohesion, on the other hand, pertains more to the bonds that hold a society together rather than the specific rules governing behavior.