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Overview
Originally published in 1999 this exceptionally clear and lucid book quickly became the standard overview of what are now called ‘governmentality studies’. In this timely Second Edition, Mitchell Dean engages with the full textual basis of Foucault’s lecturers and once again provides invaluable insights into the traditions, methods, and theories of political power identifying the authoritarian as well as liberal sides of governmentality.
Synopsis
Lucid, timely and shrewd, this book makes a major contribution to understanding a concept that is belatedly being recognized as a core concept in the social sciences, governmentality.
By looking at the work of Foucault, this book aims to reclaim governmentality as a central concept in sociology, asking what is governmentality and how are individuals and cultures organised in modern society?
Dean seeks to learn from Foucault, but also draws on wider analytical frameworks and traditions to provide the first complete overview of the concept. He argues that governmentality encapsulates a fundamentally new orientation to the study of power and authority.
Editorials
From the Publisher
Mitchell Dean has written an outstandingly clear and scholarly introduction to the central theses and methods of the analysis of the mentalities and techniques of rule… He not only provides a guide to Foucault's own thought in this area, but he also draws upon other key thinkers in contemporary social theory to develop original and illuminating analysis of some principle formations of political power. Dean's book should become required reading not just for those interested in the work of Michel Foucault, but for all those who are concerned with the dilemmas of contemporary politicsNikolas Rose, Praise for the First Edition Goldsmiths College
This second edition thoughtfully extends and develops the original text, offers an illuminating new introduction and effectively outlines directions for further study and analysis. It will be welcomed and valued by teachers and students addressing Foucault's work on governmentality and by those interested in exploring its contemporary relevance - undoubtedly it is the key text in its field
Barry Smart Portsmouth University