Governmentality
Governmentality is a concept introduced by the French philosopher Michel Foucault in the late 20th century, primarily through his lectures at the Collège de France. The term combines 'government' with 'mentality' to explore the ways in which power is exercised through the governance of individuals and populations. Here's an overview:
Conceptual Foundation
- Definition: Governmentality refers to the art of government, which Foucault describes as the "conduct of conduct," where the term 'conduct' implies both leading and behavior.
- Three Axes: Foucault outlined governmentality through three axes:
- Mentalities: How states think about governing, including techniques of governance and the rationale behind them.
- Technologies of Power: The practical methods used by governments to achieve desired behaviors in the population.
- The Subject: The way individuals govern themselves, influenced by the broader governmental strategies and technologies.
Historical Context
Foucault traced the evolution of governmentality from:
- The Sovereign Power of monarchies, where power was exerted through law and direct command.
- Through the Disciplinary Power of institutions like prisons, schools, and factories, where power is exercised through surveillance, normalization, and training.
- To Biopolitics, where the focus shifts to the regulation of populations through control over life processes like birth rates, health, and longevity.
Key Aspects
- Technologies of the Self: Techniques individuals use to shape their own behavior, often in alignment with governmental objectives.
- Neoliberal Governmentality: A more contemporary form where the state governs through the promotion of market principles and entrepreneurial behavior among citizens.
- Security Apparatus: The development of mechanisms to ensure the security of the population, which can include economic policies, public health measures, and urban planning.
Criticism and Expansion
The concept has been critiqued and expanded upon:
- Poststructuralist Critique: Some argue that Foucault's view on governmentality might overlook the resistance and agency of individuals against these governing techniques.
- Application to New Areas: Governmentality has been applied to analyze various contemporary issues like digital surveillance, global governance, and environmental policy.
Relevance Today
The concept of governmentality remains highly relevant in understanding modern forms of governance, especially in areas like:
- Digital Governmentality, where digital technologies are used to monitor and shape behavior.
- The governance of health and pandemics, where biopolitical control becomes evident.
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