ABSTRACT
In this article, a sociological analysis of the DSM, particularly axis II, is presented. Every discipline poses its own questions and answers them with its own particular methods. In this case, the distinction is drawn between an analysis that examines the DSM from the outside as an object of study and an analysis that examines the DSM from the inside, which attempts to serve the interests of the professional work being studied. This article takes the former approach, and the DSM is analysed in relation to the general problems of classification systems, the diffusion of innovations and the effects of social context. The conclusion reached is that the DSM has been very substantially shaped by external influences. This is consistent with the general dissatisfaction felt in both the clinical and research fields with the performance of axis II definitions of personality disorder. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.