Sanctions occupy a central place in sociology, yet, they have only rarely been discussed. This paper will attempt to show the diversity of the sociology of the sanction by ordering it by its theorization of the connection between norms and sanctions. Classical sociologies of sanctions view sanctions as both anchored in and legitimized by norms. Neoclassical perspectives loosen either the sanction’s anchor in norms or the norms’ legitimizing power; here, norms are often necessary, but not sufficient conditions for the application of sanctions. Postclassical perspectives sever the causal connection between norms and sanctions: norms are no longer guiding principles, but language games, and even though sanctions may refer to norms, postclassical views deny that there exists such a thing as a norm beyond language games. However, this final perspective reinstates the norm in its legitimizing function even though it does not exist. Thus, even though the theorization is widely different, the sociology of the sanction in its postclassical formulation may end exactly where it started.