Docile Bodies

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Foucault used the word docility in order to give an explanation of how control and power was attained through discipline. The body needs attention. People used to be forced to undergo violence and torture. Now times have changed, and people are being subjected to control and discipline. In all institutions of social life; discipline is used. A docile body is one that may be “subjected, used, transformed and improved, and this docile body can only be achieved through strict regimen of disciplinary acts” (Foucault, pg 136). It can be said that docile bodies are submissive. This means most of us are capable of being dominated. This concept made some become aware of the control they could have. They first noticed that it was better to apply force over a single person instead of groups. Then power was used to control by “efficiency of movement, their internal control.” Lastly, control focused on the process instead of the product. Foucault states that this domination is unlike slavery. He says that “discipline produces subjected and practiced bodies; docile bodies” (pg 138). This was not a new discovery; instead it was used as needed. In order to understand the concept of a docile body, you must understand the little things. There are many components that make up the discipline of docile bodies. From the art of distribution, the temporal elaboration of the act, the correlation of the body, and the gesture of the body object articulation, exhaustive use, and lastly the composition of forces. Most of us are docile bodies. This can be said with confidence because we’ve all been through the educational system. The education system is a prime example of disciplining docile bodies. Each disciplinary action required in the making of a docile ...

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...om day one the exercises of a soldier. These children would become veterans and the cycle wold repeat. You cannot take out the force of something if you know how to recognize it and unite it with others. All the acts of discipline must be ordered by someone who is clear and concise. It does not have to be explained not does it need to be understood. The masters job is to send the signal and for the other person to become aware of it and respond in the correct manner. This can be seen in the education system; for example, “few words, no explanation, a total silence interrupted only by signals such as bells, clapping, and glances from the teacher”( pg 166) . This is what creates obedience. Students would have had to have learned the signals in order to respond to them automatically. If a student has not responded to the signal, the signal is then repeated once again.

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