The following text discusses social theory.
Michel Foucault's concept of "governmentality" describes the historical emergence of governing rationalities that shape how populations think about themselves and are managed. Modern governmentality operates not through direct coercion but through techniques that encourage self-regulation—inducing individuals to govern themselves in line with political objectives. Health campaigns, performance metrics, and risk calculations invite citizens to optimize their conduct without external force. This perspective reveals power operating through freedom: subjects freely choose behaviors that nonetheless serve governmental ends, making domination more effective precisely because it is invisible.
How does modern governmentality operate according to Foucault?
Through visible coercion and direct use of force
Through techniques that encourage self-regulation aligned with governmental goals
By eliminating all individual freedom of choice
Through complete absence of governmental influence
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. Modern governmentality operates "through techniques that encourage self-regulation—inducing individuals to govern themselves in line with political objectives."
- Evidence: Self-regulation; governing themselves; aligned with objectives.
- Reasoning: Power works through choice, not force.
- Conclusion: Self-governance aligned with governmental ends.
Choice A is incorrect because it operates "not through direct coercion." Choice C is incorrect because "power operating through freedom" means choice exists. Choice D is incorrect because governmental influence pervades through subtle techniques.