FOUCAULT'S PERCEPTION OF HUMAN BEINGS

Foucault's perception of human beings as subjects in gender

Foucault's perception of human beings as subjects in gender

Introduction

Foucault described his intention to 'Create a history of the different modes by which, in our culture, human beings are made subjects'. This paper will elaborate on how this perception might this be useful for gender studies. A large number of philosophers and researchers have shed light on gender studies over time and the extensive volume of literature that is present in this regard serves to show that this is an area that has been considered to be important by philosophers over time. In fact, it would not be incorrect to highlight the fact that gender studies is one of the oldest subject and the significant volume of literature that is present in this area is proof of this assertion. This paper will attempt to contribute to this discussion by shedding light to one of the fundamental concepts that are present in this regard. Foucault is considered to be a key contributor to the body of research that is currently present with regard to gender studies (Miller and Miller 1993). Even though his contribution to literature pertaining to gender studies is not as extensive as that which has been brought forth by other researchers, his idea to create a history of the different modes by which, in our culture, human beings are made subjects, is considered to be a revolutionary perspective. This characteristic of Foucault's research and suggested approach provides an approach to gender studies that had not been considered in the past.

Gender studies generally involve the research and analysis of sexuality as it is present in the context of ethnicity, location and race amongst other characteristics. Gender studies has evolved considerably over the centuries; moving from the exploration of the distinctions between man and woman, to the characteristics that are present at the root of gender and sexuality. Foucault chooses to address man in terms of man's presence as a subject. Foucault also showed that there is a need to understand the origins of the characteristics that are considered to be imperative. Because of this evolution, a large number of philosophers have attempted to unravel the intricate cause-and-effect relationships that are present in this area of research (Bernauer and Carrette 2004). The main goal of Foucault's project was to explain the subjection of human beings: Foucault's objective was to create a history of the different modes of objection by which, in our culture, human beings are made subjects. A woman or a nurse is not a self-evident identity, but rather a subjected being made, constructed, or acculturated in a particular category. Presenting ourselves as certain beings implies admitting to be caught up in a certain historical construction a category that is situated in time and place (Macey 2004). Some categories we belong to are not perceived as matters of choice—for example, we are born as male or female. Others are perceived as choice—such as choosing to become a nurse or ...