Philosophy and Power: Michel Foucault’s Analysis

The philosophy of power examines how power functions within society, not merely as a tool of domination but as an element that structures social systems and shapes individuals. One of the key thinkers in this discourse is Michel Foucault, who offers a unique perspective on the relationship between power, knowledge, and society.

Power as a Relationship

Foucault views power not as something possessed by individuals or institutions but as a relationship embedded across all aspects of social life. Power operates through mechanisms that create and reproduce knowledge, which in turn governs the behavior of individuals and groups. In this sense, power is not solely repressive but also productive, shaping the norms and “truths” widely accepted in society.1

Disciplinary Power and Normalization

According to Foucault, modern power operates predominantly through disciplinary power, a mechanism that controls bodies and behaviors through surveillance and habituation. This process results in normalization, where individuals internalize values that sustain specific social systems. Institutions such as schools and hospitals exemplify this influence by shaping behavior and identity.2

Knowledge and Power

Foucault highlights the close connection between knowledge and power. Knowledge is not neutral; it is shaped by power and simultaneously reinforces it. In The History of Sexuality, Foucault explains how discourses on sexuality regulate bodies and society by constructing norms.3

Critique and Relevance

Foucault challenges traditional views of power as domination by one group over another. Instead, he introduces the concept of power as immanent, present in every social interaction. This perspective enables a more nuanced analysis of various social phenomena, including education, healthcare, and law.4

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References

1. Michel Foucault, The History of Sexuality (New York: Pantheon Books, 1978), 92–95.

2. Rudi Visker, Michel Foucault: Genealogy as Critique (London: Verso, 1995).

3. Umar Kamahi, “Teori Kekuasaan Michel Foucault: Tantangan Bagi Sosiologi Politik,” Jurnal Al-Khitabah 3, no. 1 (2017): 117–133.

4. Sosiologi.info, “Memahami Pemikiran Michel Foucault: Teori Relasi Kuasa,” diakses 8 Januari 2025, sosiologi.info.