"Discipline and Punish"

"Discipline and Punish," a work by philosopher Michel Foucault, explores the evolution of societal control mechanisms, particularly focusing on prisons and punishment. Foucault argues that modern societies have shifted from physical punishment to more subtle forms of discipline that shape behavior and identity. He examines how institutions, such as prisons and schools, use surveillance and norms to maintain order, suggesting that control is exerted not just through punishment, but also through the way individuals internalize societal expectations. This transformation reflects broader changes in power dynamics, emphasizing the role of surveillance in shaping social norms and individual conduct.