Power of institutions: Foucault

From Geography

In this youtube video a discussion between Chompsky and Foucault is shown. They debate about the power of institutions.

Foucault argues that in our (European) society, power is exercised through the state (political power), and then implied on people though local government and other institutions. Institutions transmit the orders. One of these institutions he mentions is the educational systems which in his view has the power to include certain classes, and exclude certain groups of people from this power: knowledge. Another institution that is discussed is psychiatry, which according to Foucault is also a way to implement a political power to a particular social group. Also justice is a way of implementing political power. The point he makes in this video is that institutions appear neutral and independent, yet they do exercise political power.

Watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mj2VJ7oexKc

By Sabrina Willems