Control extends beyond physical punishment from "summary" of Discipline and Punish by Michel Foucault
The mechanisms of control in disciplinary societies reach far beyond the mere infliction of physical punishment. While physical violence was once the primary method of maintaining order, the modern age has seen a shift towards more subtle forms of control. These new techniques operate on a more subtle level, penetrating the very core of individuals' behavior and shaping their actions from within. Disciplinary power functions through a system of surveillance and examination, constantly monitoring individuals and regulating their conduct. This surveillance is not limited to physical spaces but extends into the very minds of individuals, creating a state of perpetual visibility. This constant scrutiny instills a sense of self-discipline in individuals, leading them to internalize the norms and values of society and regulate their behavior accordingly. Moreover, disciplinary power operates through a system of normalization, categorizing individuals based on various criteria and imposing standards of normality upon them. Those who deviate from these norms are subjected to corrective measures designed to bring them back into line with societal expectations. This process of normalization serves to maintain social order by homogenizing individuals and eliminating dissent. In disciplinary societies, control is not limited to specific acts of defiance but extends to the very essence of individuals' identities. This all-encompassing power operates through a network of institutions and practices that work together to shape individuals into compliant and docile subjects. By internalizing the norms and values of society, individuals become complicit in their own subjugation, perpetuating the cycle of control. Thus, the concept of control extends far beyond physical punishment in disciplinary societies. It is a multifaceted and pervasive force that operates through surveillance, normalization, and internalization. By regulating individuals on both a physical and psychological level, disciplinary power ensures the smooth functioning of society and the perpetuation of existing power structures.
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