Foucault, 'Governmentality'& Technologies of the self

Foucault, 'Governmentality'

& Technologies of the self

By what process or processes do people shape their identity?

Foucauldian ‘govern-mental’ approach

The aim of doing this is to set out to uncover the processes that serve to influence identity.

In his early writing Foucault argued that disciplinary power was generally imposed in a ‘top-down’ way – so as to regiment society.

'Discipline and Punish'

Foucauldian view of power

The active agent

For the later Foucault, subjects [individuals] are not totally controlled by the system – they actively participate-in, and create their own conditions of discipline and control.

Personal ‘freedom’

the ability to think and act in our own way, as opposed to being controlled by the language ‘system’

“… the active subject [is] the entity through which, and by means of which, power is exercised … This kind of power does not seize hold of the individuals body in a disciplinary group, or regiment individuals into conformity. Instead, it holds out technologies of the self, to be adopted by willing individuals who take an active part in their own ‘subjectification’. (Garland, 1997: 175).

What might the Marxists have to say about this view?

The 'system'

Power

Discipline

Language

Control

SUBJECTS

Government does not suppress individual subjectivity, but instead moulds it in particular ways.

People have the capability to choose otherwise – but this entails going against the ‘norm’

To summarise: governmentality argues that government does not control society – instead it puts out certain messages and ideals that people then actively adopt and live-up to.

What are the processes that influence people to conform?

‘Technologies-of-the-self’.

An influence [e.g. Political or cultural] that impacts upon people in society and serves to influence perceptions and ways of thinking about their behaviour and identity

The Authorities educate us in the techniques of governing ourselves, this works in conjunction with our need for personal meaning

The combination of dominant political and cultural influences, with the formation of personal identity – serve to shape, channel, and enhance self-discipline and self-control.

“… while governing society has come to require governing subjectivity, this has not been achieved through the growth of an omnipotent and omniscient central state whose agents institute a perpetual surveillance and control over all its subjects. Rather, government of subjectivity has taken shape through … technologies. These have acted as relays, bringing the varied ambitions of political, scientific, philanthropic and professional authorities into alignment with the ideals and aspirations of individuals, with the selves each of us want to be. (Rose. 1999: 218-221).

Arguably the mass media and consumerism, has become a powerful tool in shaping malleable and conformist identities.

Can you think of any possible examples of technologies-of-the-self?

Cameron's Big Society

Community

Volunteer

Subjects ingest the messages within language and values, they begin to adapt their identities to reflect this, and actually promote the process.

How do the practices of government [governing others] link up with the practices by which individuals govern themselves?