Foucault's theories

Foucault's theories explore how power structures—like institutions, rules, and social norms—shape our thoughts, behaviors, and knowledge. He argued that power isn’t just top-down but is diffused throughout society, influencing how people think about themselves and others. For example, institutions like prisons, schools, and hospitals create systems of discipline that regulate behavior and produce “truths” about what is normal or abnormal. Foucault emphasizes that knowledge and power are interconnected, and understanding this helps us see how social control operates beyond obvious authority, shaping our identities and perceptions in subtle ways.