Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison

by Michel Foucault
Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison cover
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  • ID: 5424
  • Added: 2025-10-23
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
JSTOR · DW Tarbet · 2025-10-23
insightful 4.00

The book traces the evolution of criminal punishments from public executions to modern prisons, highlighting the shift in societal attitudes towards punishment. The author provides a detailed analysis of the mechanisms of power and control within the prison system.

In this review, DW Tarbet delves into Foucault's exploration of how punishment has evolved over time, moving from the public spectacle of executions to the more discreet and institutionalized practices of modern prisons. They appreciate the thoroughness of Foucault's analysis, which not only examines the physical aspects of punishment but also the underlying social and political structures that support these systems. Tarbet notes that Foucault's work is particularly insightful in its examination of the ways in which power is exerted and maintained through these institutions. They also highlight the relevance of Foucault's theories to contemporary discussions about crime and punishment, suggesting that his ideas remain pertinent and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    For Discipline and Punish traces the "transformations" of criminal punishments and sanctions from the spectacle of public execution in the ancien re'gime to the ...

    Foucault's work is particularly insightful in its examination of the ways in which power is exerted and maintained through these institutions.

    His ideas remain pertinent and thought-provoking.

FiveBooks · 2023-01-01
thought-provoking 4.25

The book is more theoretical and abstract compared to other abolitionist writing, offering a broader critique of the prison system. Foucault's analysis is comprehensive and thought-provoking, though it may not be as accessible to all readers.

The reviewer notes that Discipline and Punish is more theoretical and abstract than a lot of abolitionist writing, which makes it a unique contribution to the field. They appreciate Foucault's comprehensive analysis of the prison system, which goes beyond a simple critique to offer a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of power and control. However, they also acknowledge that this theoretical approach might make the book less accessible to some readers, particularly those who are not familiar with Foucault's other works. The reviewer suggests that while the book may be challenging, it is ultimately a valuable and thought-provoking read for anyone interested in the subject.

Quick quotes

    Discipline and Punish is more theoretical and abstract than a lot of abolitionist writing, and Foucault is of course not just attacking the prison system, ...

    Foucault's analysis is comprehensive and thought-provoking, though it may not be as accessible to all readers.

    It is ultimately a valuable and thought-provoking read for anyone interested in the subject.

To Be With a Trollope · 2007-10-17
challenging 3.50

Foucault's clinical tone makes the dark subject matter more palatable, but the writing can be dry and challenging. The book effectively challenges existing ideas about the prison system and its role in society.

The reviewer appreciates Foucault's detached and clinical approach to discussing dark systems, particularly those involving torture. They find this tone helps to make the subject matter more accessible and less overwhelming. However, they also note that Foucault's writing can be quite dry, which might make it challenging for some readers to stay engaged. The reviewer highlights how Foucault directly confronts and challenges existing ideas about the prison system, offering a fresh perspective on its role in society. They suggest that while the book may be difficult to read at times, it is ultimately a valuable contribution to the discourse on punishment and social control.

Quick quotes

    I like how Foucault has a detached, clinical tone when dealing with some dark systems, especially with torture, however he is also very dry.

    In Discipline and Punish, social theorist Michel Foucault directly confronts and challenges a number of existing ideas surrounding the prison ...

    It is ultimately a valuable contribution to the discourse on punishment and social control.

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