Thomas Mathiesen

Thomas Mathiesen is a Norwegian sociologist known for his work on surveillance and social control. He explores how institutions like prisons, schools, and workplaces monitor and regulate people's behavior. Mathiesen argues that surveillance is not only top-down but also occurs through everyday interactions and practices, shaping social norms. His work examines how these mechanisms influence freedom and social order, emphasizing that surveillance is embedded in society and affects everyone, not just those under direct observation. Overall, his research helps us understand the pervasive nature of social monitoring and its impact on individual autonomy.