Michel Foucault’s Theory of Power Explained | Disciplinary Power, Panopticon, and Discourse

Michel Foucault: Power, Discipline & Surveillance | Theory of Power Explained What if power does not always operate through authority, punishment or force? Michel Foucault’s theory of power shows how power operates through discipline, surveillance, social norms, knowledge and even the way we understand ourselves. In this video, we explore Michel Foucault’s political theory and philosophy and understand some of his most important concepts — power, disciplinary power, surveillance, the Panopticon, normalization, power/knowledge, discourse, biopower, biopolitics, governmentality, subject formation, resistance and freedom. Foucault’s ideas become especially relevant when we look at everyday life — from social expectations and beauty standards to workplace discipline, productivity, social media, mental health and our ideas of what is considered “normal.” The video also explains how Foucault moved beyond the conventional understanding of power as something possessed by the State or a particular authority. Instead, he examined how power circulates through social relationships, institutions, knowledge systems and everyday practices. Key Concepts Covered 00:00 Introduction 01:06 Foucault’s Concept of Power 04:30 Foucault’s Concept of the Panopticon 07:03 Foucault’s Concept of Normalisation 09:06 Foucault’s Concept of Power-Knowledge 10:09 Foucault’s Concept of Discourse 10:46 Foucault’s Concept of Governmentality 12:55 Foucault on Freedom, Resistance, Ethics & Care of the Self The video draws on Foucault’s major works, including Discipline and Punish, Madness and Civilization, Security, Territory, Population and The Birth of Biopolitics. Useful for PSIR, UGC NET, CUET & Sociology This video is particularly useful for students preparing UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) PSIR Optional, UGC NET Political Science, UGC NET Sociology, CUET Political Science, and students studying Political Theory, Political Philosophy, Sociology and Contemporary Political Thought. For PSIR Optional, Foucault is important for understanding contemporary political theory, power, discourse, discipline, governmentality, biopolitics and the relationship between knowledge and power. For UGC NET and CUET, the video provides a conceptual understanding of Michel Foucault and his major ideas that can help with both conceptual questions and theoretical understanding. For Sociology, Foucault’s ideas help in understanding social control, normalization, institutions, knowledge, deviance, identity, surveillance and the construction of social norms. Philosophy of Politics explores political philosophy, political theory, geopolitics and the ideas that shape our understanding of politics and society. If you find the video useful, Like, Share and Subscribe for more content on Political Theory, Political Philosophy, PSIR and important political thinkers. #MichelFoucault #Foucault #PoliticalTheory #PoliticalPhilosophy #TheoryOfPower #DisciplinaryPower #Panopticon #Surveillance #Biopower #Biopolitics #Governmentality #PSIR #UGCNET #CUET #Sociology #PoliticalScience #Philosophy #UPSC