Here, Rothman explores the origins and consequences of the programmes that have dominated criminal justice, juvenile justice and mental health in the past century. He also casts new light on the modern effort to reform the asylum and devise alternatives to it.

This book is a contribution to American social history and social policy in its own right, as well as forming a sequel to Rothman's earlier book, "The Discovery of the Asylum". Here, Rothman explores the origins and consequences of the programmes that have dominated criminal justice, juvenile justice and mental health in the past century. He also casts new light on the modern effort to reform the asylum and devise alternatives to it. Rothman aims to further our understanding of the fundamental character of social order - and disorder - in the United States. A new epilogue assesses prison conditions in America over the past two decades and the more recent failed attempts to reform them.