Governmentality
Power and Rule in Modern Society
- Mitchell Dean - Copenhagen Business School, Denmark
- Nikolas Rose, Goldsmiths, Praise for the First Edition
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 lectures 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.
a fantastic read for anyone who is researching ideas on power and governmentality. a very easy and understandable chapters that lead the student to overall issues.
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.
Too advanced for undergrad
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.
Thank you for sending me this very interesting and challenging book. Challenging because it deals with some of the most complicated and hard to - both to understand and to explain - concepts in social sciences - Government and Governmentality. It does so from the position of French philosopher M. Foucault, but the Author (M. Dean) added it own rich knowledge and intuition and created very informative, modern and original work.
Not many authors managed to talk about "big" concept with such clarity and, for me, that is one of the best points of this book. It is appropriate for students as well as academics and also for those that are not so involved in Foucault's work. In the same time it is quite demanding with so many references and notions and explanations. That is why I would recommend reading it slowly - chapter by chapter.
The subject it covers is interesting both to sociologists, philosophers, historians as well as political scientists, to mention just some.
Since this is second edition it has been expanded with new Introduction, Postscript and chapter International Governmentality, but it is obvious that the relationship between Individuals and Government is still in the very center of social sciences so this second edition is very current as the first one in 1999.
Excellent introduction to this body of knowledge
Intriguing commentary. Adds more ideas to current debates. Well-worth a read.
Excellent background reading in relation to social policy, the role of the welfare state, and care and control debates.
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.
