Gouvernementaliteit

Gouvernementaliteit is a concept developed by the French philosopher Michel Foucault. It refers to the ways in which power is exercised in modern societies, not just through direct coercion or law, but through a complex set of rationalities, techniques, and institutions that aim to govern the conduct of individuals and populations.

Foucault argued that governmentality emerged during the early modern period and involves understanding individuals as subjects to be managed and optimized. This management extends beyond the state to encompass various domains like the economy, education, and healthcare. It operates through a "conduct of conduct," shaping desires, behaviors, and identities to align with specific objectives, often presented as being for the good of the individuals or society itself.

Key to gouvernementaliteit is the idea of "rationality of government," which involves specific ways of thinking about and acting upon populations. This includes the development of knowledge – statistics, demographics, economics – that makes populations visible and governable. Techniques of governmentality can range from the normalization of behavior through surveillance and discipline to the promotion of self-governance through incentives and the cultivation of responsibility. The concept highlights how power is not simply repressive but also productive, shaping subjects and their actions in subtle yet profound ways.