CRIM 3658 Study Guide - Final Guide: Countersurveillance, Surveillance, Mass Surveillance
17 Apr 2017
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Document Summary
How does contemporary surveillance deviates from the model of panopticon? (week 6, 7, and 8) Foucault"s analysis of the panopticon has been used to theorize the contemporary surveillance society. Definition: panopticon was first introduced by jeremy bentham. It refers to a particular spatial arrangement and distribution of bodies and visibility. Panopticon is cylindrical wall of prisons cells surrounding a central tower. This central tower allows the guardian to observe the prisoners, without the prisoners being aware whether are not they are being watched constantly. Out of fear, the prisoners would watch themselves, assuming that they are being targeted at any given moment. The emphasis was on correcting prisoners" behaviours through self-regulation and discipline. Inmates internalizes the gaze and the idea that someone is always watching them and thus they will monitor their own behaviour and self-regulate and acquire self discipline. In many ways, our surveillance society today can best be exemplified by the panopticon.
