The relationship between power and knowledge is central to Foucault’s work and theories. The simple power to punish is based on the supervision of the bodies throughout space and time. External and internal disciplines are all powers of the docile body. According to Foucault, the three major disciplines include:
1. The scale of control
2. Object of control
3. Modality
Working in recreation has taught me the value and appreciation of the human body. Classes such as cross training, yoga, pilates and conditioning are performed to shape the body and transform the individual figure (whether it be for loosing weight, body toning, or spiritual reasons). Each class that I have taken or personally taught to people at my park is filled with different men and women of all ages and sizes. These individuals can be seen as “docile bodies” because they are the controlled bodies. I (or whoever is running the class) as the instructor would be the “discipline power” because I have the internal and external capability to make these individuals feel a certain way after they finish their workout class with me. I am the one that regulates their behavior and the molding actions of their bodies.
Through discipline and self-control, there can be a changing or molding of the body, in which is explained by Foucault. Without discipline and self-control, the molding (or shaping) of the body would not occur. In this case the docile body is used (physically), transformed, and improved. The goals of these fitness classes are to shape the individual body and improve the figure. The control of time is also an important element for Foucault’s theory because it physically and mentally takes time to achieve fitness change or goals. In terms of Foucault’s three major disciplines of the docile body, we can start with the scale of control. This is treating the body as a sum of parts, in which the mentality is necessary to reach desired change within the body. The discipline of the object of control is as important because it is the manipulating the of movements and actions through repetition, Easy-you work out at these fitness classes twice a week by repeating after the instructor and you’re results will slowly follow. Last but not least, the discipline of modality is the notion of the body becoming improved. Modality is the notion of uninterrupted supervision. In my example I spoke of adults who are enrolled in an adult fitness class, but even though they are all grown adults they are still being supervised by either myself or another instructor. By being supervised they are uninterrupted from their workout and with time and space are allowed to proceed with their workout and shaping of the body.
1. The scale of control
2. Object of control
3. Modality
Working in recreation has taught me the value and appreciation of the human body. Classes such as cross training, yoga, pilates and conditioning are performed to shape the body and transform the individual figure (whether it be for loosing weight, body toning, or spiritual reasons). Each class that I have taken or personally taught to people at my park is filled with different men and women of all ages and sizes. These individuals can be seen as “docile bodies” because they are the controlled bodies. I (or whoever is running the class) as the instructor would be the “discipline power” because I have the internal and external capability to make these individuals feel a certain way after they finish their workout class with me. I am the one that regulates their behavior and the molding actions of their bodies.
Through discipline and self-control, there can be a changing or molding of the body, in which is explained by Foucault. Without discipline and self-control, the molding (or shaping) of the body would not occur. In this case the docile body is used (physically), transformed, and improved. The goals of these fitness classes are to shape the individual body and improve the figure. The control of time is also an important element for Foucault’s theory because it physically and mentally takes time to achieve fitness change or goals. In terms of Foucault’s three major disciplines of the docile body, we can start with the scale of control. This is treating the body as a sum of parts, in which the mentality is necessary to reach desired change within the body. The discipline of the object of control is as important because it is the manipulating the of movements and actions through repetition, Easy-you work out at these fitness classes twice a week by repeating after the instructor and you’re results will slowly follow. Last but not least, the discipline of modality is the notion of the body becoming improved. Modality is the notion of uninterrupted supervision. In my example I spoke of adults who are enrolled in an adult fitness class, but even though they are all grown adults they are still being supervised by either myself or another instructor. By being supervised they are uninterrupted from their workout and with time and space are allowed to proceed with their workout and shaping of the body.