Governmentality
Power and Rule in Modern Society
- Mitchell Dean - Copenhagen Business School, Denmark, University of Newcastle, UK
Originally published in 1999 this exceptionally clear and lucid book quickly became the standard overview of what are now called 'governmentality studies'.
With its emphasis on the relationship between governmentality and other key concepts drawn from Michel Foucault, such as bio-politics and sovereignty, the First Edition anticipated and defined the terms of contemporary debate and analysis.
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.
Every chapter has been fully revised and updated to incorporate, and respond to, new theoretical, social and political developments in the field; a new introduction surveying the state of governmentality today has also been added as well as a completely new chapter on international governmentality.
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 politics.
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.
It's great to have such a comprehensive volume on this subject
Dean's elaboration of governmentality is another valuable attempt to provide alternative views to mainstream global governance research. It stands on wellknown premises of critical and postmodern theory but manages to sketch the contours of new avenues. Curious and more advanced students of international relations and global governance definitely profit from a thorough investigation.
The book covers a topic very relevant to sustainability science. This topic - i.e. governance and governmentality - is treated in a very comprehensive way; many specific aspects are addressed that become especially relevant in interdisciplinary human ecology & sustainability science (like, e.g. risk and reflexive governance); moreover, literature from various national contexts is considered. Hence, I do strongly recommend the book to all students that aim at covering transdisciplinary issues within a sustainable development. I recommend it as supplemental reading to biology students, because the conceptual territory covered does pose a challenge to students with a natural science background.
Too advanced for undergrad
Excellent background reading in relation to social policy, the role of the welfare state, and care and control debates.
Excellent introduction to this body of knowledge
Intriguing commentary. Adds more ideas to current debates. Well-worth a read.
The book really is great and I recommend it to anyone who struggles with the possibility of being free and governed at the same time. What I think is not sufficiently explained (especially, there are not enough examples) is how power can be asubjective and intentional at the same time.
New to this Second Edition.
• Every chapter has been fully revised and updated - with over 20% new material
• A new introduction surveying the state of governmentality today
• A completely new chapter on international governmentality
• A new Postscript.
