More, the mechanism "automatizes and disindividualizes power. Power has its principle not so much in a person as in a certain concerted distribution of bodies, surfaces, lights, gazes...Consequently, it matters not who exercises power...Similarly, it does not matter what motive animates him." This method of discipline optimizes its effects while minimizing costs.
Foucault argues, "Discipline may be identified neither with an institution nor with an apparatus; it is a type of power, a modality for its exercise, comprising the whole set of instruments, techniques, procedures, levels of application, target." In this piece, Foucault discusses the discipline of the panopticon. The panopticon works in all institutions, such as prison, madhouse and school building. It is "a way of defining power relations in terms of the everyday life of men." In the panopticon, each watched actor is separated from others: "The panoptic mechanism arranges spatial unities that make it possible to see constantly and to recognize immediately." He is able to be seen but cannot see those who watch him. This means that the watched actor will discipline himself because he is always under the threat of being watched (whether he actually is at that exact moment or not). This also means that "it is not necessary to use force to constrain the convict to good behaviour." The observer is implicated in this surveillance too because he can be observed along with his operation.
More, the mechanism "automatizes and disindividualizes power. Power has its principle not so much in a person as in a certain concerted distribution of bodies, surfaces, lights, gazes...Consequently, it matters not who exercises power...Similarly, it does not matter what motive animates him." This method of discipline optimizes its effects while minimizing costs.
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