Discipline and Punish by Michel Foucault
The Birth of the Prison
This book delves into the historical evolution of the penal system, examining how Western societies have transitioned from a regime of violent, public physical punishment to a more subtle form of surveillance and control. It introduces the concept of the "panopticon," a metaphor for modern disciplinary societies that exercise power through observation and normalization rather than through overt physical coercion. The work explores the relationship between power, knowledge, and social control, arguing that disciplinary mechanisms are embedded in various institutions, such as schools, hospitals, and prisons, shaping individuals and maintaining order in society.
The 1338th greatest book of all time
- Published
- 1975
- Nationality
- French
- Length
- Medium
- Pages
- 304
- Words
- 117,000
- Original Language
- French
- Alternate Titles
- None
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This book is on the following 6 lists:
- 1195th on Our Users' Favorite Books of All Time (The Greatest Books Users)
- 1369th on Our Users' Honorable Mention Favorite Books of All Time (The Greatest Books Users)
- As if You Don't Have Enough to Read, Best Non-Fiction from the NY Times Writers (New York Times)
- 100 Best Non-Fiction Books (in Translation) of the 20th Century … and Beyond (Counterpunch)
- 72 Philosophy Books Everyone Should Read (The Institute of Art and Ideas)
- The 100 Greatest Non-Fiction Books (The Guardian)