This fascinating book analyzes 13 control failures in human history, from Robespierre's promotion of the French Revolution, to Hoover's efforts to stop the Great Depression, to the intelligence failures of 9/11. Assessing the causes of 10 additional historical cases, the author's comparative analysis shows how each leadership failure was caused by an expansion of the range of control attempts, their scope, and/or their diversity. A leader's or other actor's attempts to broaden the range of control targets have been most important in causing great human failures. The analysis is timely during an era when war, global warming, and other vexing problems plague our society.

About the Author
Jack P. Gibbs attempted to overcome his birth in Brownwood, Texas, by earning a Ph.D. (University of Oregon) in sociology. His university positions include Texas (Austin), Washington State, Arizona, and Vanderbilt (retiring as Centennial Professor Emeritus). This book is his third on social control.

Reviews

"Over the years, Jack Gibbs has taken me step-by-step through an elaboration of the concept of social control to his argument that control should be sociology's central notion to his formulation of a theory about control. His latest installment, Colossal Control Failures, should draw the greatest attention because it addresses historical events and issues that are important to both scholars and the general public, ranging from failures in attempted control by Julius Caesar, three presidents and a variety of dictators to revolutionaries and the attempt to control AIDS. His treatment of
9/11 is enlightening and should be required reading for anyone who would like some guidance on how to avoid such colossal failures in the future."
-Gary F. Jensen, Vanderbilt University

The hallmark of this trenchant analysis of colossal control failures is Gibbs' insistence on conceptual clarity and rigorous analysis, a welcome change from facile claims based on preconceived and politically motivated prescriptions and proscriptions. From Julius Caesar to "America's Worst Day" (9/11) this book is a timely warning against the hubris of political, economic, and religious exceptionalism. Gibbs strengthens his claim for control as the central notion of sociology.
-James F. Short, Jr., Washington State University

Book Information
ISBN 9781594515262
Author Jack P. Gibbs
Format Hardback
Page Count 304
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Inc
Weight(grams) 521g