Cultural Studies Introductory Details

Hello Readers! 

This blog is a response to the task given by Prof. Dilip Barad as an introductory part of Cultural studies where we are supposed to give answers of asked questions in the context of Power, and Education in extreme reality.

1. My understanding of Power in Cultural studies

Michel Foucault (1926 - 1984): French philosopher, social theorist, historian and literary critic. In his work he researches power and its workings, how it influenced knowledge and how it is used as a form of social control. He is best known for his critical studies of social institutions such as psychiatry, social anthropology, the prison system and the history of human sexuality. One of his major works is "The Birth of the Prison, Discipline and Punish" (Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison) on changes in the criminal model of punishing the body (corporal punishment) to punish the spirit.

Michel Foucault, a French philosopher and social theorist, had a complex and influential understanding of power. He argued that power is not simply a top-down force imposed by governments or authorities but a multifaceted, pervasive aspect of society. Here are key aspects of Foucault's perspective on power:

1. Power as Everywhere : Foucault believed that power is not localized or held by a single entity but is dispersed throughout society. It exists in various forms and operates at multiple levels, from the state and institutions to interpersonal relationships.

2. Power/Knowledge : Foucault introduced the concept of "power/knowledge" to emphasize that power and knowledge are interconnected. Knowledge is not neutral but is shaped by power dynamics. Those in power control what counts as knowledge and shape the narratives that define reality.

3. Discourse and Institutions : Foucault explored how power operates through discourse, or systems of knowledge and language. Institutions, such as schools, prisons, and hospitals, are sites where power is exercised through the regulation of knowledge and behavior.

4. Panopticism: Foucault famously discussed the concept of the "panopticon," a prison design where inmates are constantly under surveillance. He used this metaphor to illustrate how power can be internalized, leading individuals to self-regulate their behavior in anticipation of being watched.

5. Biopower and Governmentality : Foucault also examined the role of power in regulating populations and managing life. He coined the term "biopower" to describe how states and institutions control people's bodies and health. He also discussed "governmentality," the techniques and strategies used by governments to govern individuals and populations.

6. Resistance : Foucault recognized that power is not solely repressive but can also lead to resistance and counter-discourses. People can challenge dominant power structures and create alternative forms of knowledge and resistance.

 Michel Foucault's understanding of power is characterized by its complexity, its dispersed nature, and its role in shaping knowledge, institutions, and social norms. His work has had a profound influence on fields such as sociology, philosophy, and political science.

2. Why Media study is so important in our digital culture?

Media study is very important and relevant to study in this post truth era as everyone is having all updates in their fingers via internet and cloud services.

Who is in a position to make the decisions that determine the way the society functions?

Noam Chomsky (1928): linguist, historian, philosopher, critic and political activist. As the "father of modern linguistics" (linguistics), he focused on the issue of innate vs.. the learned. In his later career has evolved as a major critic of foreign policy of the United States (from Vietnam to South America to the Middle East) and propaganda in the modern media with one of his major works. Mass Media".

Decisions over investment and production and distribution are in the hands of a relatively concentrated network of major corporations and conglomerates.

Deeply indoctrinated

Usually there are two groups of people according to ½

20 percent - Educated and pays attention to the civil affairs.

80 percent- not even taking interest in civil affairs, whose main function is following orders, not thinking and the other ones are usually paying the cost.

Here are always political leaders serving the interest of elite groups and those are the one who owns and controls the media houses and 

Selection of topics

Distribution of concerns

Emphasis,

Framing of issues,

Filtering of information,

Bounding of Debate.

They determine, select, shape, control, and restrict all the news or information coming to the way of people.

Serve the interests of dominant elite groups.

Post truth (click here to visit my blog on Post truth era)

3. Who can be considered as truly educated person?

The core principal and requirement of a fulfilled human being is the ability to inquire and create constructively, independently without external controls.

Discover on the basis of the resources available to you which you have come to appreciate and understand to know where to look to know how to formulate serious questions to find your own way in order to deal with the challenges that the world presents to you and that you develop in the course of yourself.

The one who is aware always to question in this post truth era is truly able to get considered as an educated person.

Teacher's blog(click here to visit Teacher's blog for further details).

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