The Birth of Biopolitics

The Birth of Biopolitics book cover

The Birth of Biopolitics is a series of lectures given by the French philosopher Michel Foucault at the Collège de France between January and April 1979. This series is part of Foucault's broader examination of governance and power relations, extending his analysis of power from the realm of political and social institutions to the domain of economic practices and how they influence the governance of individuals and populations. The lectures mark a significant shift in Foucault's work from the archaeological and genealogical methods employed in his earlier works to what he termed "governmentality."

Overview

In "The Birth of Biopolitics," Foucault explores the emergence of neoliberalism as a new form of political rationality that significantly impacts the techniques of governance. He traces the evolution of neoliberal thought from its roots in the classical liberalism of the 18th century to its 20th-century manifestations in the United States and Germany, focusing on the Chicago School of Economics and the Ordoliberal school of thought, respectively.

Foucault's analysis delves into how neoliberalism redefines the role of the government in terms of fostering an environment conducive to economic competition and how it extends market values into social domains previously governed by other norms and principles. He discusses the concept of "homo economicus" as a model of human behavior that is rational, self-interested, and whose conduct is fundamentally governed by economic calculations.

Key Themes

• Governmentality: Foucault introduces the concept of governmentality to describe the art of government in a broad sense, encompassing the techniques and strategies by which a society is rendered governable.
• Biopolitics: This concept refers to the governance of populations through an array of scientific and administrative techniques aimed at managing life processes, such as health, hygiene, birth, and mortality rates.
• Neoliberalism: Foucault provides a critical examination of neoliberalism, highlighting its departure from classical liberalism, particularly in its reconfiguration of the role of the state and its emphasis on the market as the primary mechanism for governing social life.

Reception and Influence

"The Birth of Biopolitics" has had a profound impact on various disciplines, including political theory, sociology, history, and economics. Foucault's insights into the nature of power and governance have inspired numerous scholars to explore the intersections between economic practices and political rationalities. His work has also contributed to critical debates on the nature and effects of neoliberalism in contemporary societies.

See Also

• Michel Foucault
• Neoliberalism
• Governmentality
• Liberalism
• Chicago School of Economics
• Ordoliberalism