Sociologist Michael Foucault argues that the existence of power is everywhere, and it influences society and how individuals behave (Mason 2016). He uses his interpretation of Jeremy Bentham’s concept of the Panopticon, to explain this phenomenon. Bentham defines the Panopticon as a circular pillar structure in the center of a prison that is used for the surveillance of prisoners. However, though it can be seen by everyone occupying the building, no one is aware of who occupies the interior; but, whoever is inside of the structure can see everyone on the outside. Essentially, it demonstrates that whoever is within the structure is “all seeing” and “all-knowing” (Wong 2001). It also has the ability and the power to simultaneously remain
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When individuals are aware that these cameras are around, they tend to immediately regulate and alter their behaviour as seen fit. This is done subconsciously when they know they are being watched. It can be argued that self regulation occurs in these situations because individuals feel the need to conform to norms and acceptable behaviours and not deviate from them; as a result of the fear of abnormality (Wong 2001). Moreover, the thought or idea of watchful eyes alone, creates a fear in people that they could possibly be punished if they ever failed to regulate their behaviour. For example, since these cameras are primarily used for crime prevention they target potential criminals or criminals; to deter them from committing crimes. For example, an individual may think twice about robbing a bank or a store because of CCTV cameras being placed everywhere. The simple presence of the CCTV’s immediately instills fear and anxiety within the individual of possibly getting caught. Though the cameras may not be functioning, the individual is only aware that they exist and that is enough for them to self-regulate because they are convinced that “someone” is watching. This action is what gives authority and sustains the power whoever controls these tools …show more content…
According to this theory, there are two ways to control a population; internally and externally. Internal control occurs when an individual possesses their own sense of what is right and wrong according to the social norms of their society and that alone could possibly decrease likelihoods of them deviating from those norms (Boundless 2016). External control occurs when individuals are forced to conform due to the chance of being punished if they deviate (Boundless 2016). In relation to CCTV’s, they function as an indirect internal means of control by making an individual become consciously aware to regulate their behaviours in respect to whatever behaviour is right or wrong within a given situation. Essentially, the presence of the CCTV’s continues to give power to the dominant group to control these individuals into continuously conforming to the norms they have learned through the process of socialization. It also works indirectly as an external means of social control by assisting those who have the power to punish, the evidence of someone breaking the law. But, in most circumstances the records of this evidence cannot be pushed forward without the assistance of the operators of the
When individuals are aware that these cameras are around, they tend to immediately regulate and alter their behaviour as seen fit. This is done subconsciously when they know they are being watched. It can be argued that self regulation occurs in these situations because individuals feel the need to conform to norms and acceptable behaviours and not deviate from them; as a result of the fear of abnormality (Wong 2001). Moreover, the thought or idea of watchful eyes alone, creates a fear in people that they could possibly be punished if they ever failed to regulate their behaviour. For example, since these cameras are primarily used for crime prevention they target potential criminals or criminals; to deter them from committing crimes. For example, an individual may think twice about robbing a bank or a store because of CCTV cameras being placed everywhere. The simple presence of the CCTV’s immediately instills fear and anxiety within the individual of possibly getting caught. Though the cameras may not be functioning, the individual is only aware that they exist and that is enough for them to self-regulate because they are convinced that “someone” is watching. This action is what gives authority and sustains the power whoever controls these tools …show more content…
According to this theory, there are two ways to control a population; internally and externally. Internal control occurs when an individual possesses their own sense of what is right and wrong according to the social norms of their society and that alone could possibly decrease likelihoods of them deviating from those norms (Boundless 2016). External control occurs when individuals are forced to conform due to the chance of being punished if they deviate (Boundless 2016). In relation to CCTV’s, they function as an indirect internal means of control by making an individual become consciously aware to regulate their behaviours in respect to whatever behaviour is right or wrong within a given situation. Essentially, the presence of the CCTV’s continues to give power to the dominant group to control these individuals into continuously conforming to the norms they have learned through the process of socialization. It also works indirectly as an external means of social control by assisting those who have the power to punish, the evidence of someone breaking the law. But, in most circumstances the records of this evidence cannot be pushed forward without the assistance of the operators of the