Social Control and Political Order: European Perspectives at the End of the Century

Social control is a key concept within sociology, arguably one of the most important. This vibrant collection of essays offers a profound and timely assessment of issues surrounding this concept and indicates its significance for the new political orders developing in contemporary Europe. Contributors debate the issues relating to the future of social control from a range of perspectives. They outline its history and politics in both Anglo-American sociology and the Hispanic world, discuss the weaknesses of the concept, and assess its relevance for contemporary Europe. Social Control and Political Order provides an in-depth examination of the debates on the possibilities and problems for social control as a core sociological concept. This will be essential reading for students and academics in political science, criminology, sociology, and legal studies.