Foucault's insistence that punishment should be viewed in terms of power and his inability to explain a dysfunctional, counterproductive institution (prison) demonstrate the weaknesses and limitations of this style of sociological interpretation. According to Durkheim, on the other hand, although punishment has rationality and control superimposed on it, its essence in an irrational and emotional expression of collective conscience. The author takes exception to this view, which assumes that all effects of punishment are positive. The third perspective, which this article adopts, presumes that the instrumentalities of penal power take place within a social and cultural context. Punishment has deep symbolic and emotional meanings precisely because it lies directly at the root of social order and touches on issues of authority, social membership, and the legitimacy of violence. 24 notes. (Author abstract modified)