Control Culture: Foucault and Deleuze After Discipline

This book explores how contemporary control mechanisms influence cultural expression and reevaluates Foucault and Deleuze's theories of discipline and control in light of biopolitics.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 232 pages
\n Publication date: 31 August 2020
\n Publisher: Edinburgh University Press
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This book, comprising 11 thought-provoking essays, delves into the intricate interplay between contemporary control mechanisms and cultural expression. It explores how these control mechanisms shape and are shaped by cultural practices, challenging traditional notions of discipline and power. By reevaluating Foucault and Deleuze's theories of discipline and control in the context of the evolving biopolitics, the authors offer fresh perspectives on the complex dynamics of control in our modern world.

The essays in this collection begin with Deleuze's brief but influential work on control, which sets the stage for the subsequent discussions. They question how contemporary control mechanisms exert their influence on cultural expression, while also acknowledging the reciprocal relationship between control and cultural practices. The authors explore various dimensions of control, including surveillance, discipline, and biopolitics, and examine how they shape the ways in which individuals and societies interact and communicate.

One of the key themes that emerges from the essays is the notion of the "control society." According to the authors, this society is characterized by a pervasive sense of monitoring and surveillance, where individuals are constantly subjected to scrutiny and evaluation. The control society is driven by the desire to optimize productivity, efficiency, and social order, and it employs various techniques such as data collection, algorithms, and surveillance technologies to achieve its goals.

However, the authors argue that the control society is not without its limitations. They point out that the constant monitoring and surveillance of individuals can lead to a loss of privacy, a sense of disempowerment, and a decline in individual autonomy. Moreover, the control society often perpetuates existing power structures and inequalities, as it reinforces the dominance of certain groups and marginalizes others.

In response to these challenges, the essays propose alternative frameworks for understanding and challenging control. They advocate for a more nuanced and democratic approach to control, one that recognizes the importance of individual agency, creativity, and social diversity. The authors suggest that cultural expression can be a powerful tool for resisting control, as it provides a space for subversion, resistance, and the exploration of alternative perspectives.

Furthermore, the essays highlight the role of technology in shaping contemporary control mechanisms. They argue that technology has both facilitated and intensified control, as it has enabled the creation of new forms of surveillance and the automation of decision-making processes. However, the authors also suggest that technology can be used to challenge control, as it provides new avenues for communication, collaboration, and resistance.

In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the complex relationship between contemporary control mechanisms and cultural expression. It challenges traditional notions of discipline and power and provides alternative frameworks for understanding and challenging control. By reevaluating Foucault and Deleuze's theories of discipline and control in the context of the evolving biopolitics, the authors offer valuable insights into the dynamics of power in our modern world.

\n Weight: 358g\n
Dimension: 155 x 233 x 18 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781474436762\n \n