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Control Quote by Michel Foucault

“The chronicle of a man, the account of his life, his historiography, written as he lived out his life formed part of the rituals of his power. The disciplinary methods reversed this relation, lowered the threshold of describable individuality and made of this description a means of control and a…” quote by Michel Foucault
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““The chronicle of a man, the account of his life, his historiography, written as he lived out his life formed part of the rituals of his power. The disciplinary methods reversed this relation, lowered the threshold of describable individuality and made of this description a means of control and a method of domination.””

Michel Foucault

About This Quote

Source Book: The History of Sexuality, Volume 1, 1976

Power structures turn personal narratives into tools of control, reshaping identity and domination.

In simple terms: Power uses personal stories to dominate.

Key Takeaway

Question how narratives are used to control.

Themes

power identity control history domination

Mood

critical analytical

Type

philosophical theoretical

When to use this quote

  • education
  • politics
  • media
  • personal storytelling

Key Concepts

foucaultian analysis disciplinary society

Questions to Reflect On

  • In what ways can personal narratives resist domination?
  • How does awareness of this process change your view of history?
A Different Perspective

Narratives can also empower resistance.

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