Summary:
This paper explores the relationship between gaze and power, and how gaze constructs and influences subjectivity from the individual to the societal level. We analyze the role of gaze in power structures and how it reinforces social norms. At the same time, we also examine the resistance and challenge to the gaze, and explore how individuals and groups can redefine subjective identity and promote social change through resisting gaze.
I. Introduction
Gaze as a concept has its roots in social theory, philosophy, psychology, and cultural studies, and has become an important tool for understanding power, identity, and social interactions. The first to propose the concept of gaze and give it a unique meaning was the French philosopher Michel Foucault, who referred to the way power works, and the key role of gaze in power structures in his treatise on power and knowledge.
The importance of the "gaze" in social theory lies in the fact that it reveals how power works in the interaction between the individual and society. Power is manifested not only through direct coercion or violence, but also through implicit surveillance, regulation, discipline, etc. Through his study of prisons, hospitals, schools, and other institutions, Foucault reveals that power shapes and controls individual behavior and ways of thinking through the gaze. This power is no longer explicitly suppressed, but is maintained through internalized norms, and the gaze thus becomes a symbol of power.
Foucault's views on power and the body are particularly noteworthy. In his theory, the body is not only the object of power, but also the vehicle through which power operates. The process of discipline and shaping of the body is one of the main ways in which power operates. In doing so, the gaze becomes a surveillance mechanism that connects the individual to society. The gaze can be both external and internalized self-monitoring. This internalized gaze pushes individuals to act according to social norms, forming a social order that seems natural but is actually constructed by power.
II. The Conceptual and Theoretical Foundations of the Gaze
A. Definition and function of gaze
The gaze as a power relation
The concept of gaze was first proposed by the French philosopher Michel Foucault and is seen as an important manifestation of power relations. In Foucault's theory, the gaze is not only a simple act of viewing, but also a means of exercising power. Power regulates and shapes the behavior and identity of individuals by watching, watching, and scrutinizing. Through the gaze, power is manifested, as the object being viewed tends to self-adjust and limit behavior in line with the gazer's expectations or social norms. This viewing not only produces a passive viewed, but also strengthens the gazer's control over the gazed.
Bilateral terminology: the one who gazes versus the one who is stared at
The gaze, as a bilateral concept, involves the interaction between the gazer and the gazed. The gazer represents the subject of power, and they exercise power by looking and scrutinizing. The gaze of the gaze not only creates a passive look at the beneer, but also gives the gazer a sense of power and control. The gazed, on the other hand, is in a state of passive acceptance and regulation. The behavior and identity of the gazed are often influenced and limited by the gazer's expectations and social norms.
B. The Place of the Gaze in Social Theory
Role in social constructivism
The gaze plays an important role in social constructivism, helping to understand the formation of social order and power structures. Social constructivism emphasizes that social reality is a product of human interaction and understanding, and the gaze is one of the important manifestations of this interaction and understanding. The gaze, as a symbol and symbol, reflects how power relations and social norms operate. By observing and interpreting gaze, the implicit rules and power structures of society can be revealed, helping to understand the social roots and meaning of individual behavior.
Applications in areas such as gender, ethnicity, etc
Gaze theory has a wide range of applications in areas such as gender, race, and identity. In sexology and feminist theory, the gaze has been used to explain men's scrutiny and control over women, and how this gaze shapes gender relations and social roles. In race studies, gaze is also used to analyze racial discrimination and the construction of identity, revealing the marginalization and disempowerment of minorities in the gaze. The gaze is not only a reflection of societal prejudice and discrimination, but also a reflection of the complex relationship between power and identity.
III. The Construction and Gaze of Social Subjects
A. Interaction between the gazer and the gazed
In the gazing relationship, there is a complex interaction between the gazer and the gazed, which not only reflects the distribution and exercise of power, but also shapes various identities and roles in society.
The power and initiative of the gazer: The gazer is usually in the position of the subject of power, and they have the power to observe, examine, and judge the gazed. This power gives the gazer initiative, the ability to regulate and control the behavior and identity of the gazed. The gaze of the gaze is not only an act of observation, but also an expression of power, which can affect the self-perception and social role of the gazed.
Passivity and Reshaping of the Stared: Relative to the Initiative of the Starer, the Stared is often in a state of passive acceptance and normation. The person being gazed at may feel stress and anxiety during the process of being stared at because they are aware that their actions and identity are being observed and judged by others. The behavior of the gazed at is often influenced by the gazer's expectations and social norms, and they may adjust their behavior to suit the gazer's expectations, thus reinventing their identity and role.
B. Formation of social subjects
In the process of gazing, the formation of social subjects is not only a reflection of individual behavior, but also the embodiment of social norms and values, and the construction of social order and identity.
Shaping social identity in the gaze of the Greater Other: The formation of social subjects is often influenced by the gaze and judgment of the Greater Other. The Great Other can be authoritative institutions, social elites, group public opinion, and other forces with power and influence. Their gaze not only shapes the individual's social identity, but also determines the individual's status and role in society. By being gazed upon by the Greater Other, the individual becomes aware of his or her place and responsibilities in society, thus shaping his or her social identity.
The Influence of Social Norms and Values on the Construction of Subjects: Social norms and values play an important role in the gaze relationship, which not only affects the gazer's judgment of the gazed, but also shapes the behavior and identity of the gazed. Social norms are the embodiment of social consensus and behavioral norms that dictate normal and abnormal, appropriate and inappropriate behaviors in society. The gazed at is often constrained and regulated by social norms, striving to conform to the expectations and requirements of society, thus constructing their own social roles.
IV. The body as a social symbol
A. The position of the body in the gaze
In the process of social gaze, the body plays an important role, not only as an object of display and control of power, but also as a carrier of passive social judgment.
The body as an object of display and control of power: The body is often seen as a symbol and manifestation of power. In the gaze relationship, the person in power demonstrates and exercises his or her power through observation and judgment of the body of others. For example, in the political realm, a leader's appearance and posture are often used to demonstrate his authority and ruling power; In the business world, the attire and appearance of corporate executives have also become a symbol of power and status. Through gazing and judging the body, the powerful can control and regulate the behavior and identity of the stared at, and then maintain their authority and status.
The Unconscious vs. Passive Acceptance of the Body: The body tends to be in a state of passive acceptance in the gazing relationship, as the body's manifestations are often unconscious. Individuals often do not have full control over their body language and image, so the body often reveals the individual's true state and emotions when stared at by others. This unconscious physical performance may be used by others to judge the individual's character and qualities, thus influencing the individual's social status and role.
B. Visual symbolization of the body and identity
The body is not only the object of display and control of power, but also the visual mark of social identity and the embodiment of social values.
Visual markers of social identity: Social identities are often visually marked through the physical outward representation. Different social groups and classes often have specific body image and physical characteristics that become their status symbols. For example, people in different occupations often have different dress and appearance habits, thus showing different social identities and status; People from different cultural backgrounds may have different body language and gestures that reflect their cultural identity and identity. Through the visual markers of the body, members of society can quickly identify the social identity and belonging of others, and then engage in social interaction and communication.
The body as the embodiment of social values: The physical outward manifestation is often influenced and shaped by social values. Society's values about beauty and ugliness, health and disease, strength and aging, etc., affect how individuals perceive and behave in their bodies. For example, in today's society, being healthy, slim, and young is often seen as the ideal state of the body, so people will pursue this ideal body through dieting, exercise, etc.; And in some cultures, obesity and plumpness may be seen as a symbol of abundance and happiness, so people deliberately maintain a plump figure. The embodiment of such social values not only affects the individual's perception and behavior of his or her own body, but also shapes the society's gaze and judgment of the body.
V. Foucault's Theory of Power and the Body
A. Foucault's views on power and surveillance
In exploring Foucault's views on power and surveillance, it is crucial to understand how he views the distribution and operation of power, as well as the mechanisms of surveillance and self-surveillance.
Distribution and operation of power: Foucault argues that power is not concentrated in a particular institution or class, but is widespread in the web-like structure of society as a whole. He believes that power is ubiquitous, not directly imposed on people through coercive means, but through a series of seemingly insignificant rules and regulations, knowledge systems, daily practices, etc., subtly influencing and controlling people's behavior and thoughts. Power is thus a fluid, dynamic force that regulates and shapes the behavior of members of society through a variety of institutions, disciplines, and discourses. Foucault put forward the concept of "discipline society", pointing out that modern society disciplines individuals through various mechanisms such as education, medical care, and law, so that they consciously obey the requirements of the power structure.
Mechanism of monitoring and self-monitoring: Foucault's monitoring theory emphasizes that in modern society, surveillance not only comes from external power institutions, but more importantly, individuals themselves will imperceptibly accept social norms and then conduct self-monitoring. This idea is embodied in Foucault's concept of a "panoramic prison": in a society with the characteristics of a panoramic prison, the power apparatus creates an atmosphere of surveillance through structural design and institutional arrangements, so that individuals can spontaneously adjust and regulate their behavior without seeing the direct monitor. This monitoring mechanism greatly enhances the influence of power, because individuals realize that they may be monitored at any time, so they consciously abide by social norms, so as to achieve the purpose of "discipline".
B. Foucault's Theory of the Body
Foucault's theory of the body focuses on the position of the body in the exercise of power, as well as the way in which the body is disciplined and socially constructed.
The body is the basis for the functioning of power: In Foucault's theory, the body is the basis for the functioning of power, as power often achieves control over the individual through the body. The authorities achieve their goals through physical discipline, which includes education, medical care, military training, prisons, and other forms. Through physical restraint and discipline, authorities can effectively control and shape the behavior of individuals, ensuring that they conform to society's expectations and norms.
Physical Discipline and Social Construction: Foucault emphasized that modern society shapes and regulates the individual body through a series of disciplinary mechanisms. These mechanisms include school discipline, health standards in the healthcare system, prison management systems, etc. Through the discipline of the body, the power agency can achieve deep control over individual behavior and thoughts, and then shape the social order and construct social values.
Foucault pointed out that this kind of physical discipline not only influences the behavior of individuals, but also subtly shapes the values and cultural norms of society. For example, the school's discipline mechanism fosters discipline and obedience among students through strict schedules and uniform dress codes. The healthcare system shapes society's perception of health and disease through standardized definitions of physical health; Prisons have strengthened social understanding of crime and punishment through a strict management system.
VI. The impact of gaze on social relations
A. The impact of gaze on a social level
Role in the power structure
The gaze plays an important role on a social level, especially in power structures. The gaze is not only a visual act, but also a manifestation and operation of power relations. In power structures, the gaze can be seen as a means of control and surveillance. Authorities exercise control over their actions and thoughts through their gaze at specific objects.
This gaze is not limited to direct eye contact between individuals, but is more reflected in the gaze of social institutions and authorities on the whole group. For example, the constant surveillance of public spaces by surveillance cameras and the government's regular surveys and evaluations of specific groups are all concrete manifestations of the gaze in the power structure. Through gaze, the authority can grasp social dynamics and individual behavior in real time, so as to effectively manage and control society.
Reinforcement of social norms
The gaze can also reinforce social norms and prompt individuals to conform to social rules and values. Through the gaze of members of society, the authority conveys a sense of "being seen", guiding individuals to consciously conform to social expectations and norms. This gaze reinforces social norms in a number of ways, such as surveillance cameras monitoring pedestrians crossing the street and reminding pedestrians to obey traffic rules; The school monitors students' learning and behavior, and urges students to comply with school discipline and norms, etc. Through the gaze of the members of society, the authority can strengthen social norms, maintain social order, and ensure the stability and orderliness of social operation.
B. Possibility of resistance and conversion
Resistance and challenge to the gaze
Despite the powerful controlling and normative role of the gaze, it also faces the possibility of rebellion and challenge. Individuals and groups can rebel against the gaze in different ways, thus breaking through the shackles of power structures and achieving self-expression and the redefinition of subjective identity. For example, civil society organizations can expose and criticize the gaze of power institutions through public protests and online public opinion, so as to arouse social attention and reflection. Individuals can also reduce the gaze effect of the authorities and protect their privacy and rights by refusing to cooperate and selectively sharing information.
A redefinition of the subject's identity
The resistance and challenge of the gaze not only affects power structures, but also helps to redefine the subjective identity of the individual. Through resistance to the gaze, the individual can get rid of the state of passive acceptance and regain his own subjectivity and sense of rights. This process of redefining the identity of the subject may involve a rethinking of power relations and social structures, thereby promoting a more equal and just society. For example, the women's movement has promoted progress for gender equality and women's rights through its resistance to the male gaze; Ethnic minorities challenge the racist gaze to make societies more inclusive and diverse.
Author: Lu Xilin
Bibliography:
《规训与惩罚》Michel Foucault
《观看之道》John Berger
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