I have a problem with Foucault's conception of power and its relation to
domination. I don't think he adequately distinguishes between the two. He
describes power as a series of force relations which are free-flowing,
unpredictable and which are easily reversed to become relations of
resistance. He describes 'domination' as a state where these normally
free-flowing power relations become crystallized into more rigid
hierarchical structures which block the flow of forces.
Now, it seems to me that this relationship between power and domination
is really not all that different from a traditional juridico-sovereign
model of power which Foucault claims to eschew. It seems like a standard
model of oppression in which the free flow of 'life' or forces or
whatever is blocked by some kind of domination. This is all Foucault
seems to be saying, and it seems rather conventional to me.
Anyway, what do others think? Maybe I've got it all wrong, but I think
its a matter which has to be clarified. I'd like to hear your responses
to this.
SAUL
domination. I don't think he adequately distinguishes between the two. He
describes power as a series of force relations which are free-flowing,
unpredictable and which are easily reversed to become relations of
resistance. He describes 'domination' as a state where these normally
free-flowing power relations become crystallized into more rigid
hierarchical structures which block the flow of forces.
Now, it seems to me that this relationship between power and domination
is really not all that different from a traditional juridico-sovereign
model of power which Foucault claims to eschew. It seems like a standard
model of oppression in which the free flow of 'life' or forces or
whatever is blocked by some kind of domination. This is all Foucault
seems to be saying, and it seems rather conventional to me.
Anyway, what do others think? Maybe I've got it all wrong, but I think
its a matter which has to be clarified. I'd like to hear your responses
to this.
SAUL