specially had little else to do but gossip, this meant rumours were often spread and people like Boo were subjected to being used as a scapegoat for wrong doings in the town.
             There is a lack of knowledge surrounding his affairs and that makes people start rumours, therefore creating his activities and enabling them to pigeonhole him. Aunt Alexandra is a good example of a member of the community using social control mechanisms. This is generalisations made to put people into groups and is a form of prejudice.
             "It just goes to show you all the Penfield women are flighty."
             People have a fear of the unknown. In Maycomb people needed to be able to place everyone into a category so they can try to understand. They are acting on their own insecurities, which were enhanced during this period of time. This also links with racism, the form of prejudice against Negroes. At this time it was believed black people were inferior to white people.
             This is apparent in the trial of Tom Robinson. He is
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