Pervasive Prevention

Reviews / Votes

'This fascinating analysis dissects the numerous components of the prevention imperative in contemporary societies, linking new forms of social control with hegemonic neo-liberal ideology. The gendered reading offered adds originality to this thought-provoking, superb, book.' Vincenzo Ruggiero, Middlesex University, UK 'In Pervasive Prevention, Tamar Pitch, one of Europe's leading legal theorists, has produced the book that many of us have been thirsting for: a feminist analysis of the security society. With her usual clarity, drollery, and perspicacity, Pitch provides a gendered analysis of the new forms of social control that pervade our lives.' Nicole Rafter, Northeastern University, USA 'Are the features of post-modern social control - risk, security, management, segregation, surveillance "new"? And should we worry about them? Tamar Pitch has written a dense, thoughtful and stimulating book that shows clearly how the "imperative to prevent" leads to social policies far less benign than the folk wisdom of "prevention is better than cure". Her feminist reading of these features and her creative application of critical theory make this a distinctive and important contribution. Stanley Cohen, London School of Economics, UK