ABSTRACT
This introduction presents, for an international audience, the objectives of the book (to better understand the evolution of penality in Spain and show the benefits of a sociological approach). Some aspects are pointed out that make Spain an interesting case study that is usually ignored by mainstream literature. It also points to changes in the field that have made translating this book interesting. Thus, the influence of the Southernising criminology movement is recognised in that both academics and publishers are more open to listening to voices from other countries and the beneficial symbiosis that this dynamic has for comparative studies is pointed out. Next, the study of neoliberal punishment in Spain is justified as a way of showing the complexity of punishment as a social institution. Finally, some considerations are added about the situation in Spain since the book was originally published.
