Governmentality
Governmentality is a critical social theory developed by the French philosopher
Michel Foucault to explain how governments, institutions and professions
influence people's behaviour through subtle forms of power rather than direct
force or coercion. Instead of relying solely on laws or punishment,
governmentality suggests that societies encourage individuals to regulate
themselves by internalising social norms, expectations and professional advice.
Within social work, the concept helps practitioners critically examine how
policies, assessments and interventions can shape behaviour, identity and
decision making. It encourages reflection on the balance between supporting,
empowering and protecting people while recognising how professional practice
may also reinforce systems of control (Foucault, 1991).
Foucault introduced the concept during a series of lectures in the late 1970s,
later published as Governmentality (1991). Building upon his earlier work on
power, knowledge and discipline, Foucault argued that modern governments
increasingly exercise power not through overt control but by encouraging
individuals to become responsible for managing their own health, behaviour,
employment, parenting and wellbeing. This form of governance extends beyond
the state to include professionals such as teachers, doctors, psychologists and
social workers, who help shape what is considered "normal", "healthy" or
"responsible" behaviour.
A central principle of governmentality is that power is productive rather than
simply oppressive. Instead of only restricting behaviour, power also shapes how
people think about themselves and how they choose to act.
For example, public health campaigns encouraging healthy lifestyles, parenting
programmes promoting particular parenting practices or employment policies
encouraging job-seeking all influence behaviour through guidance, education
and expectations rather than legal enforcement.
Governmentality therefore views power as operating through everyday practices
and institutions rather than only through the police or legal system.
Another key principle is self-governance. Individuals are encouraged to regulate
their own behaviour according to social norms and expectations.
Examples include:
Governmentality is a critical social theory developed by the French philosopher
Michel Foucault to explain how governments, institutions and professions
influence people's behaviour through subtle forms of power rather than direct
force or coercion. Instead of relying solely on laws or punishment,
governmentality suggests that societies encourage individuals to regulate
themselves by internalising social norms, expectations and professional advice.
Within social work, the concept helps practitioners critically examine how
policies, assessments and interventions can shape behaviour, identity and
decision making. It encourages reflection on the balance between supporting,
empowering and protecting people while recognising how professional practice
may also reinforce systems of control (Foucault, 1991).
Foucault introduced the concept during a series of lectures in the late 1970s,
later published as Governmentality (1991). Building upon his earlier work on
power, knowledge and discipline, Foucault argued that modern governments
increasingly exercise power not through overt control but by encouraging
individuals to become responsible for managing their own health, behaviour,
employment, parenting and wellbeing. This form of governance extends beyond
the state to include professionals such as teachers, doctors, psychologists and
social workers, who help shape what is considered "normal", "healthy" or
"responsible" behaviour.
A central principle of governmentality is that power is productive rather than
simply oppressive. Instead of only restricting behaviour, power also shapes how
people think about themselves and how they choose to act.
For example, public health campaigns encouraging healthy lifestyles, parenting
programmes promoting particular parenting practices or employment policies
encouraging job-seeking all influence behaviour through guidance, education
and expectations rather than legal enforcement.
Governmentality therefore views power as operating through everyday practices
and institutions rather than only through the police or legal system.
Another key principle is self-governance. Individuals are encouraged to regulate
their own behaviour according to social norms and expectations.
Examples include:
