In: Psychology
Explain the arguments of Marx and Foucault. How do they differ? what are the main differences they have about the nature of POWER in society?
Marx believed that the society has
two groups in terms of power, one comprises of those who oppress
and suppress and the other the oppressed and suppressed. The
oppressors are most of the time rich and those who are in official
power while the oppressed are working class poor people.
He also proposed that art, literature, music were also used to
separate classes in terms of power and the oppressed were made to
believe that they were powerless.
Although Foucault agreed on the concept of the oppressed and the
oppressor, he told that there is no proof that who is the oppressor
and oppressed.
He further explained that power, in present scenario is exercised
through statutory bodies such as, prison, military, schools etc.
The aim of these institutions are to exercise power not with an
idea of punishing but making people better through surveillance and
discipline. Punishments are reserved only for people who threaten
the sovereignty of the institution or society.