In following the discussions on power, I am surprised
that issues of resistance have not been raised. As I
noted some time ago, F argued that "resistance is
never in a position of exteriority in relation to
power" (History of Sexuality). Power is thus not
a unidirectional phenomenon, it is a dialectical
process in which resistance is implicated. In discussing
notions of "goodness and badness" it seems to this
reader at least that the evaluation makes little sense
unless both power AND resistance are considered. The
thrust of F's work in prison reform and psychiatry was
very much about what has come to be termed "empowerment"
and this is the aspect of his work that many of us
find enlightening.
Andrew Kirby
Social and Behavioral Sciences Research Institute
University of Arizona
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