The French philosopher Michel Foucault introduced the concept that power is omnipresent and influences every aspect of society. According to him, power is dynamic and assumes various forms. For instance, during British rule in India, Indians were restricted from freely discussing their culture and traditions. This limitation prevented them from contributing to their own historical narrative, allowing the British to reshape history to suit their perspective. As a result, figures like Bhagat Singh, now celebrated as a hero, were labelled as terrorists in British historical accounts.
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Physical Force:-
This involves using direct power to control individuals, such as the actions of the police or military. For instance, during protests, law enforcement often focuses on suppressing crowds to restore order without addressing the underlying causes of the demonstrations. A recent example is in Gandhinagar, where TET/TAT exam passers protested for not receiving jobs despite their qualifications. -
Wealth:-
Financial resources are used as a tool to suppress potential opposition from individuals or groups that might challenge powerful political, corporate, or governmental entities. -
State Action:-
Governments exert control through laws, policies, and official programs. In today’s digital era, this extends to online surveillance, encroaching on people’s privacy alongside traditional governance methods. -
Social Norms:
Social norms imply that citizens hold power over the government, but the question arises: who defines these norms? Educational systems instil a sense of responsibility toward society and the nation, subtly shaping our behaviour and reinforcing the status quo, which influences our relationship with authority. -
Ideas:-
Influential ideas can transform people’s beliefs and actions significantly. -
Numbers:-
The collective strength of large groups can generate substantial power. Throughout history, this has fueled movements and revolutions, such as the French Revolution.
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