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Summary - POLS2006A (Pols2006)
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Summary - POLS2006A (Pols2006)
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Recap and introduction:In today’s tutorial, we will build on our exploration of modernity by delving into the
concept of governmentality through the lens of Michel Foucault. With a focus on the
darker side of Western modernity, as illuminated by Cornel West's "Modernity and its
Discontents" and Walter Mignolo's "The Darker Side of Western Modernity," we aim to
deepen our understanding of the complexities inherent in modern societal structures.
This discussion will serve as a continuation of our journey through the intellectual
landscape of modernity, where we have examined foundational ideas and pivotal
moments shaping contemporary thought. Last week, we delved into Giannofranco's
"Images of a Society," which provided valuable insights into societal dynamics. Today,
we will further unpack these insights and explore how they intersect with Foucault's
notion of governmentality, shedding light on the intricate web of forces that shape our
contemporary world. Join us as we engage in interdisciplinary dialogue and critical
analysis to unravel the complexities of Western modernity.
Main arguments in readings:
In "Modernity and its Discontents," Cornel West offers a trenchant critique of modernity,
arguing that despite its lofty ideals of progress and liberation, it has failed to deliver on
its promises. West contends that the emphasis on individualism and rationality in
modernity has often led to the neglect of communal bonds and spiritual values,
resulting in a sense of alienation and fragmentation within society. He highlights the
various forms of oppression and social injustices perpetuated by modernity, calling for
a critical engagement with its shortcomings to foster a more just and humane society.
Walter Mignolo's "The Darker Side of Western Modernity" complements West's critique
by focusing on the colonial and imperialist dimensions of Western modernity. Mignolo
argues that Western modernity has been built on the exploitation and subjugation of
non-Western peoples and cultures, perpetuating epistemic violence through the
marginalisation of alternative knowledge systems. He calls for decolonizing knowledge
and embracing pluriversal dialogues to challenge the hegemony of Western-centric
narratives and promote epistemic justice. Together, West and Mignolo's insights
challenge us to confront the darker aspects of Western modernity and strive towards
more inclusive and equitable societies that recognise the diversity of human
experiences and knowledge traditions.
In Michel Foucault's essay on governmentality, he presents a nuanced analysis of power
dynamics in modern societies. Central to his argument is the idea that governance
techniques have undergone a transformation from traditional forms of sovereign power
to a more diffuse and decentralised mode of power. Foucault introduces the concept of
governmentality to capture this shift, emphasising that it encompasses a broad range of
practices aimed at regulating individuals and populations. He explores how biopower
operates through mechanisms of surveillance, regulation, and normalization, aimed at
, managing the health, behavior, and productivity of populations. Foucault also delves
into the strategic calculations and rationalities employed by governing authorities,
viewing government as an art that involves the rational management of risks and
uncertainties. Moreover, Foucault offers a critique of liberalism, challenging its claims
to freedom and individual autonomy by highlighting the ways in which liberal
governance perpetuates inequalities and limits individual agency. Overall, Foucault's
essay provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between power, knowledge,
and governance in modern societies, inviting us to rethink our understanding of political
authority and control.
Biopower, a key concept introduced by Michel Foucault, refers to the mechanisms and
strategies through which power is exercised over populations through their bodies and
lives. It involves the regulation and control of biological processes, behaviors, and
populations in order to enhance state control and ensure the functioning of society.
Foucault describes two main dimensions of biopower:
1. Anatomo-Politics: This dimension focuses on the regulation of individual bodies
through disciplinary techniques, such as surveillance, normalization, and classification.
It operates through institutions like hospitals, schools, and prisons, which discipline
and control individual bodies to conform to societal norms and standards.
2. Biopolitics: This dimension extends beyond individual bodies to encompass entire
populations. Biopolitics involves the management and regulation of populations
through practices such as public health policies, welfare programs, and demographic
controls. The goal is to optimize the health, productivity, and longevity of populations,
while also regulating reproduction and controlling disease.
Overall, biopower represents a shift in the way power operates, moving from the direct
control of bodies to the management and regulation of populations as a whole. It
reflects the increasing emphasis on governance through techniques of surveillance,
normalisation, and intervention in the biological lives of individuals and populations.
Certainly! Silvia Federici's work in "Caliban and the Witch" provides a rich analysis of
the historical intersection of capitalism, patriarchy, and colonialism, focusing on the
control and exploitation of women's bodies during the transition from feudalism to
capitalism. Federici highlights how women's reproductive labor was commodified and
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