Final answer:
Violence is considered one of the least effective social control mechanisms because it can lead to resistance and undermine the authority's legitimacy. Social pressures and personal appeals are often more effective and have fewer negative repercussions. The correct answer is option: d) violence.
Step-by-step explanation:
One of the least effective social control mechanisms employed by society is violence. While persuasion, ridicule, and violence are all used as methods to enforce societal norms, violence is often counterproductive. It can lead to increased resistance and may undermine the legitimacy of the authority using it.
On the other hand, social pressures and personal appeals are generally more effective in instilling conformity without the negative repercussions associated with violence. Moreover, rewarding conformity through positive reinforcement can encourage desirable behaviors and strengthen societal bonds, which may lead to better overall social cohesion and fewer collective action problems.