Sanctions can be positive as well as negative and formal as well as informal. Positive sanctions are rewards given for conforming to norms.

Sanctions can be positive as well as negative and formal as well as informal. Positive sanctions are rewards given for conforming to norms. For example, a promotion at work would be a positive sanction for working hard. Negative sanctions are punishments for violating norms. For example, being arrested is a punishment for shoplifting, which would be a negative sanction. Informal sanctions emerge in face-to-face social interactions. An example of an informal sanction would be swearing in church may draw disapproving looks or even verbal reprimands. Formal sanctions, on the other hand, are ways to officially recognize and enforce norm violations. Someone who speaks inappropriately to the boss could be fired is an example of formal sanction. 

Can you think about your experiences and describe a positive or negative sanction that you or someone you know has received?