Foucault’s Discipline and Punish and Gilles Deleuze’s “Postscript on the Society of Control” discuss the nature of power in society. Foucault focuses on the disciplinary authority of institutions such as the prison, while Deleuze focuses on the control exercised by capitalism. Both authors see control as an essential aspect of society but have different perspectives. This essay analyzes these key differences and similarities and supports Deleuze’s opinion as relevant today.
The readings Foucault’s Discipline and Punish and Gilles Deleuze’s “Postscript on the Society of Control” have strong similarities and differences. For one, both discuss control and how it is exerted over individuals. Foucault does this by examining the panopticon, or the surveillance state, while Deleuze discusses the society of control, which is more concerned with individuals’ compliance (Brusseau 5). Both readings also discuss how power is shifting, with Foucault mentioning that administration is moving from the monarchy to the state and Deleuze highlighting that it moves from a disciplinary society to a control society.
However, there are also some key differences. For one, Foucault’s reading is much more historical, while Deleuze’s is more concerned with the present. Additionally, Foucault’s task is much more focused on the state’s role in control, while Deleuze’s is more focused on the part of corporations. Foucault’s reading is pessimistic because he discusses how the disciplinary society is a form of control used to keep people in line (Brusseau 10). He argues that this kind of control is effective because it is based on the threat of punishment, which supports people in line.
On the other hand, Deleuze’s reading is more optimistic because he discusses how the society of control is a more effective form of control. He argues that this power is more effective because it is based on compliance rather than the threat of punishment (Brusseau 12). I find Deleuze’s analysis to be more relevant to our contemporary moment. I think his discussion of the society of control is more accurate in terms of the way power is currently exerted. Additionally, his more optimistic tone helped me think about resisting power structures.
In conclusion, both readings are essential in understanding the nature of management and power in society. However, Foucault’s analysis is more relevant to our contemporary moment because it highlights how control is exercised through institutions. Capitalism is a very relevant topic in our current moment, and Deleuze’s analysis helps us understand how it manages individuals and organizations in society.
Reference
Brusseau, James. “Deleuze’s Postscript on the Societies of Control Updated for Big Data and Predictive Analytics.”Theoria, vol. 67, no. 164, 2020, pp. 1–25. Web.