Discipline,
according to Foucault, produces "the individual" as a subject with
distinct characteristics which can be objectively measured. This is an
important part of how Panopticism functions as a system of power. The manner in
which discipline does this is through three mechanisms:
1. Observing
hierarchy. Supervision through observation by eyes that can see but are not
seen. Here Foucault draws on Jeremy Bentham's "Pamopticon" structure
in which one supervisor can see many supervised but is not seen by them. The
establishment of an observing hierarchy demands a certain organization of space
to allow for it. This organization of space is of course both the outcome of
power and the cause for it.
2. Normalizing
judgment. Measuring the actions of individuals creates a norm through which
all actions can be judged. This norm enforces homogeneity but also
individualizes since it allows for individuals to be compared to one another
and be positioned differently in relation to the norm. You can think of Georg
Simmel's example (in "The
Metropolis and Mental Life") of money which is an objective measure
through which we can rate people and at the same time a source for subjective
individuality.
3. Examination. Observing hierarchy and
normalizing judgment join together to construct the individual as the object of
knowledge
and power. The individual is the object of examination, investigation and
production of knowledge about him which encode his distinct individuality. In "Panopticism" Foucault lists
three different manners in which knowledge is tied to power. First Foucault
says that the invisibility of power compared with the visibility of its
subjects. Second, examination "formalizes" the individual within
power structures. By documenting individuals Panoptisicm, as a technology of
power, uses a homogenic code to classify them. Third, examination makes every
individual into a "case" to be studied, measured, compared and
judged. This is how systems of power and knowledge produce the individual as
subject and object at the same time (see also Foucault's "The
Subject and Power.
Panopticism / Foucault - summary
Part 1:Foucault's notion of discipline
Part 2: discipline and the production of individuals
Part 3: human sciences
Part 4: disciplinary society
Foucault's panopticism explained
More on and by Foucault:
Foucault - "Of Other Spaces" - summary
Foucault's concept of discourse
technology of power
Panopticism / Foucault - summary
Part 1:Foucault's notion of discipline
Part 2: discipline and the production of individuals
Part 3: human sciences
Part 4: disciplinary society
Foucault's panopticism explained
More on and by Foucault:
Foucault - "Of Other Spaces" - summary
Foucault's concept of discourse
technology of power