The State of Social Control

Synopsis of The State of Social Control

Using a distinctive and original perspective, this book discusses the development of the social control of deviance in modern states. Mechanisms of social control, Melossi argues, have been structured in a direct way by concepts of the state and political order. He analyzes both the early development of theories of the state and law in Europe, and brings the discussion up to date with a consideration of current debates about social control in the United States. An assessment of the legacy of the work of Machiavelli, Hobbes and Locke is followed by a consideration of Rousseau's work on natural law, democracy and the French revolution, Hegel's Ethical State and Marx's concepts of political and economic democracy. Melossi then turns his attention to the struggle for democracy in Europe, considering Durkheim, Weber, Kelsen and Gramsci. In conclusion, he develops his own theory of social control, incorporating ideas drawn from current debates in social and political theory.