Disciplinary Power

Definition

Disciplinary power refers to a form of power that regulates behavior through norms, surveillance, and control rather than through overt coercion or force. It is characterized by the internalization of societal norms and expectations, leading individuals to monitor their own actions and conform to established standards. This concept highlights how power is exercised in subtle ways, shaping identities and influencing behavior within various institutions such as schools, prisons, and workplaces.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Disciplinary power is a central theme in Foucault's work, emphasizing how institutions use techniques of surveillance and normalization to maintain control.
2. Unlike sovereign power that relies on force, disciplinary power works through subtle mechanisms like observation and the establishment of norms.
3. Foucault argues that disciplinary power creates 'docile bodies,' encouraging individuals to adapt their behaviors in accordance with societal expectations.
4. The mechanisms of disciplinary power are evident in various societal institutions, including schools, hospitals, prisons, and workplaces.
5. Disciplinary power operates through a network of relationships rather than a top-down hierarchy, allowing it to permeate everyday life.

Review Questions

• How does disciplinary power differ from traditional notions of power that rely on coercion?
  • Disciplinary power distinguishes itself from traditional forms of power by focusing on regulation and control rather than overt coercion or force. It operates through subtle means like surveillance and the establishment of norms that shape behavior. While traditional power might involve direct enforcement through punishment, disciplinary power encourages individuals to internalize societal expectations, leading them to self-regulate their actions without the need for constant oversight.
• In what ways do institutions utilize disciplinary power to shape individual behavior and identities?
  • Institutions use disciplinary power by implementing surveillance systems and establishing norms that guide individual behavior. For example, schools enforce attendance policies and grading systems that encourage students to conform to academic standards. Similarly, workplaces may impose codes of conduct that dictate acceptable professional behavior. Through these mechanisms, individuals learn to monitor themselves and align their identities with the expectations set by these institutions.
• Critically evaluate the implications of disciplinary power on individual autonomy and social order in contemporary society.
  • Disciplinary power significantly impacts individual autonomy by promoting self-regulation based on societal norms and expectations. While this can enhance social order by reducing deviant behaviors, it also raises concerns about conformity and the loss of personal agency. Individuals may feel compelled to adhere to societal pressures, limiting their ability to express authentic selves. The interplay between maintaining order through discipline and preserving individual freedom presents a complex challenge in contemporary society.

Related terms

Panopticism: A social theory developed by Foucault that describes a system of surveillance where individuals regulate their own behavior because they are aware they could be watched at any time.

Normalization: The process through which behaviors, practices, or ideas are made to conform to accepted standards or norms, often enforced by disciplinary power.

Biopower: A form of power that manages populations through policies and practices focusing on health, sexuality, and reproduction, extending beyond the individual to collective bodies.