Which term is used in the sociological literature to describe a loss of direction felt in a society when social control of individual behavior has become ineffective.

The answer is anomie.

Explanation:

The term, introduced by Émile Durkheim, is the condition in which a society lacks moral direction on individuals. It often takes place when a person's beliefs are different from those of his community, which may lead to the inability to integrate with social norms.

According to Durkheim, anomie can occur in a society that lacks social norms, or in one with very rigid norms.