Podcast Summary
Exploring Power Structures in Society through the Lens of Criminology: Michel Foucault's 'Discipline and Punish' goes beyond a historical account of criminology, offering insights into power dynamics in society and the relationship between those in power and the average citizen.
Michel Foucault, a key figure in postmodernist philosophy, is often referred to as a historian, political theorist, or social commentator due to the wide-ranging nature of his work. His 1975 book "Discipline and Punish" is not just a historical account of criminology but a deeper exploration of power structures in society and the relationship between those in power and the average citizen. Foucault himself disliked the term "history" and instead used words like "genealogy" or "archaeology" to describe his work. His perspective challenges the notion of constant progress in history and instead highlights the complex dynamics of power and control. Despite the challenges in categorizing Foucault's work, understanding his ideas is crucial for grasping the context of postmodernist thought.
Understanding power dynamics in history: Foucault urges us to examine power structures in history beyond moral judgments, recognizing their evolution and persistence in modern society
That history may lead us to believe that progress has been made in the relationship between those in power and citizens, but it's important to consider the historical context and underlying power structures that have persisted throughout time. Foucault challenges us to move beyond feeling morally superior to past societies and instead recognize the similarities between the past and present. The example of the brutal punishment carried out in public in the 1750s may seem barbaric, but it was grounded in a different societal model and power structure. Understanding this context can help us recognize how power dynamics have evolved and yet remain present in our modern world. Foucault encourages us to delve deeper into the complexities of power relationships throughout history, rather than writing off the past as savagery.
Maintaining social order in 17th century societies: In 17th century societies, criminal justice systems prioritized maintaining social order over seeking justice or ensuring fairness, using public punishments as a reminder of sovereign power.
According to Hobbes and Foucault, the primary function of the criminal justice system in 17th century societies was not to seek justice or ensure fairness, but to maintain social order. Crimes were seen as direct attacks on the sovereign and the social contract, and the public display of punishments served as a reminder of the sovereign's power and authority. Foucault argued that the goal was to preserve the existing power structure and maintain order for the sake of continuity. However, over time, issues emerged with this system, leading to the recognition of the need for change.
Unintended Consequences of Public Executions: Public executions questioned sovereign authority, created sympathy for criminals, and made identifying those in power easier to overthrow, leading to a shift towards more humane criminal justice systems in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
The use of brutal public executions and punishments as a means of asserting power and maintaining social order in medieval societies had unintended consequences. These included questioning the authority of the sovereign when things went wrong during executions, siding with criminals or calling into question their severe punishments, and creating a clear line of sight for the people to identify those in power who needed to be overthrown during times of instability. As societies evolved, the realization that the will of the people could influence who held power made staying in power a vulnerable enterprise. This led to a fundamental shift in how societies treated criminals between 1757 and 1837, with a move towards more humane and rehabilitative approaches. This shift was not the result of a secret society, but rather a recognition that power needed to be more deeply embedded to be sustainable.
Foucault on the evolution of punishment: Foucault argued that the shift from public punishment spectacles to private disciplining of criminals' minds was a deliberate power move, resulting in the normalization of punishment and control of criminals' behavior through strict schedules and disciplinary regimes.
According to Foucault, the evolution of punishment from public spectacles to private disciplining of criminals' minds was a deliberate shift aimed at maintaining power and order in society. This shift occurred gradually over centuries, with subtle changes to the execution ceremony and the location of punishments. The ultimate goal was to make punishment more efficient, effective, and hidden from public view. This had significant societal effects, including the normalization of punishment and the control of criminals' minds and behavior. The emergence of strict schedules and disciplinary regimes in prisons was a key aspect of this shift, making it harder for prisoners to engage in criminal activity and fostering a culture of obedience and conformity.
Foucault's Three-Pronged Approach to Control: Surveillance, Normalization, and Examination: Michel Foucault proposed that institutions like prisons, mental health facilities, military, and universities use surveillance, normalization, and examination to control individuals, shaping their behaviors and thoughts.
Michel Foucault believed the most effective method of controlling individuals, not just prisoners, was a three-pronged approach consisting of surveillance, normalization, and examination. This approach was inspired by the ideas of philosopher Jeremy Bentham and his design of the Panopticon, a prison where prisoners are constantly watched but cannot see their watchers, leading them to believe they're always being observed. This method is not limited to prisons, but can be applied to various institutions, such as mental health facilities, military settings, and universities, to promote desired behaviors and thought patterns. Foucault saw this as a new way of exerting power over individuals' minds.
Applying Bentham's Panopticon principles in modern society: The Panopticon's principles of surveillance, normalization, and examination shape employee behavior in corporations and influence various aspects of modern life, including online presence and social circles, with individuals both subjected to and participating in this control system.
The principles of the Panopticon, a surveillance system designed by Jeremy Bentham, could be effectively applied in modern economic societies, particularly in corporations, to shape employee behavior. This method, which includes surveillance, normalization, and examination, has become the dominant way of controlling human behavior and is embedded in various aspects of modern life, including online presence and social circles. Foucault, who critiqued power structures, would argue that individuals are both subjects of control and active participants in this system, often unknowingly supporting it. While the intent of this system may not be primarily about justice or fairness, it serves to maintain order and productivity. The similarities between this system and some religious structures highlight its pervasive influence in society.
Modern penal system focuses on producing docile citizens: The modern penal system prioritizes reforming criminals to fit societal norms over direct retribution, with a focus on rehabilitation and reduced sentences for conformity.
According to Michel Foucault, the modern penal system's primary goal is not justice or fairness, but rather the production of docile, useful citizens through surveillance, normalization, and examination. This system prioritizes reforming criminals to fit a pre-existing mold of normalcy over direct retribution for crimes. Once sentenced, the focus shifts to rehabilitation, with the possibility of reduced sentences for those willing to conform. However, some individuals refuse to play by the rules and remain a fascination for society, leading to a persistent fascination with criminals throughout history. This fascination is evident in the popularity of true crime podcasts, shows, and other media.
Living in a Self-Surveilled Society: The Genealogy of the Modern Soul: Foucault's theory explains how power isn't just political, but also shapes our identities and behaviors through societal norms and expectations, leading to self-discipline and self-examination
According to Michel Foucault, we live in a modern society where we are constantly under self-surveillance, internalizing societal expectations and norms given to us by those in power and the media. This creates a metaphorical "panopticon" where we are both the prisoners being reformed and the wardens watching ourselves. Foucault argues that power doesn't just lie with those in privileged political positions, but also in the norms and expectations that shape our identities and behaviors. We willingly conform to these standards, often leading to a life of self-discipline and self-examination. The media we consume even influences the vocabulary and categories we use to define ourselves. Foucault's concept of the "genealogy of the modern soul" highlights the internalized power dynamics that shape our lives.
Power and Knowledge in Modern Society: Michel Foucault believed power is pervasive and connected to knowledge, primarily held by scientific thought leaders, and shaped by cultural biases in understanding the world
Power in our modern world, according to Michel Foucault, is not concentrated in the hands of a few privileged individuals or groups, but is pervasive and connected to knowledge. Foucault argued that power is not objective or absolute, but is constructed through cultural discourses and the dominant knowledge systems of society. In our modern world, science and thought leaders within scientific fields are the primary sources of knowledge and, consequently, hold significant power. Foucault also challenged the narrow perspective of human understanding, suggesting that it may be limited by the cultural biases of those conducting research, particularly in the human sciences. Ultimately, Foucault's perspective challenges the notion that power lies in political or economic positions, instead emphasizing the importance of understanding the cultural and knowledge systems that shape our perceptions and understanding of the world.
Understanding what matters and allocating resources accordingly is where true power lies, according to Foucault.: Foucault challenges traditional notions of power by encouraging us to consider how it shapes our understanding of value and influences resource allocation.
Learning from this discussion with Foucault is that the ability to define what matters and then allocate resources towards those priorities is where true power lies. Foucault believed that those who have the power to dictate what is important in society, whether economically or politically, hold significant influence. This concept challenges traditional notions of power, which often focus on control over resources or the ability to enforce rules. Instead, Foucault encourages us to consider the ways in which power shapes our understanding of what is valuable and worthy of pursuit. As we continue to explore his ideas in the next episode, we'll delve deeper into the implications of this perspective and how it can help us better understand the complex dynamics of power in our world today.
