Based on an experiment performed by Jeremy Bentham in which several prisoners were in a custom built prison where they were constantly visible to one singular guard, not knowing whether or not they were actually being watched, Panopticism as a concept was written by French historian Michael Foucault detailing that the result is comparable to modern day society.
PANOPTICON
A panopticon is an architecture style originally designed by Jeremy Bentham to have a central tower in the middle of several cells containing prisoners that are visible to a singular guard without the guard being visible to the prisoners.
The idea is that the subjects will act as if they are being watched, regulating their behavior as a result. Though there were only a few prisons built with this structure, it has influenced other buildings such as the Stateville Correctional Center.
PANOPTICISM
Michael Foucault speculated that no matter who is placed into the prison, they will be monitored to see how likely they are to make mistakes and which mistakes they might make. He also states that anyone can take the role of operating the machine for any reason, and that the more people apart of the observing, the more anxious and paranoid the subject becomes.
“He is seen, but he does not see; he is the object of information, never a subject in communication …It is an important mechanism, for it automatizes and disindividualizes power.” (Panopticism 7)
It is not necessarily part of the method to use force or constraint during the process of creating paranoia but it is important for the subject to play both roles: the prisoner and their own guard. An external force might throw off the progress already done.
THE QUESTION
I wanted to see how this mechanism might be used in schools. I asked a variety of students questions to see if they show similar symptoms to the subjects.
Which method of surveillance makes you feel the most uneasy?
- security cameras around the school
- metal detectors at the front door
- monitored internet activity during class
- presence of officers in the school building
Majority said monitored internet access or metal detectors.
Have you ever chosen not to post something out of concern for who might see it?
Many people took this question to mean embarrassing videos/photos or oversharing details rather than actual wrongdoings documented through social media. Those who did see it that way responded that they would just post it on a spam account or send it to a friend.
Do you use different social media accounts for different audiences?
Some students have stated that they have spam or meme accounts to post content that might not do well on their main/business account. The majority of students that have these accounts appear to be mostly juniors and seniors, while freshman and sophomores (at least the ones I interviewed) don’t see the need to hide posts behind a private account.
Has knowing about the presence of cameras or school staff prevented you from doing something?
People who do not see themselves doing anything troubling state that they have nothing to worry about, while others admit they would most likely break more rules without the existence of some things previously listed.
CONCLUSION
Most of the security measures listed do their job of preventing students from even attempting to break certain rules. Violence/constraint is not regularly a part of procedures in a school setting, but it can be seen and expected during events like fights. Whether or not that messes with the efficiency of the method depends on if students feel genuinely worried and anxious about consequences during school.
sources:
https://muse.jhu.edu/article/252435/pdf
