The close ties that existed between sociology and criminology, on the one hand, and correctional treatment, on the other, that existed during first half of the 20th century in the United States are noted. This was followed by the 'nothing works' era of the 1960's and 1970's. The author devotes much of his analysis to his primer on correctional treatment, 'Changing the Lawbreaker.' Many of the weaknesses and strengths of sociologically based treatment theory in corrections theory are pointed out in this analysis. Two major conclusions are reached: (1) diagnostic typologies have failed to reflect the diversity of offender behavior and (2) correctional theorizing by sociological criminologists has been unduly optimistic. However, the 'nothing works' or punitive approach to law breakers is also flawed. New directions for correctional treatment, based on criminological knowledge, are explored. Over 50 references. (Author abstract modified)