What is the name given to a mode of reward or punishment that reinforces expected behaviors in society?

The term that describes a mode of reward or punishment that reinforces expected behaviors in society is "sanction." Sanctions can take various forms, including positive sanctions, which reward desired behaviors, and negative sanctions, which punish undesirable behaviors. The primary purpose of sanctions is to maintain social order by encouraging conformity to societal norms and values. Through these mechanisms, individuals learn what is acceptable and what is not within their community, thereby helping to uphold the broader social structure.

Incentives might motivate behavior but do not necessarily carry a punitive component. A penalty specifically refers to a punishment, which is a type of negative sanction but does not encompass the broader category of rewards. Regulation involves rules or guidelines that govern behavior, but it doesn’t specifically highlight the reward or punishment aspect central to reinforcing social norms. Thus, "sanction" is the most encompassing term for the reward or punishment system that works to reinforce expected behaviors in society.