Pedagogy and power through a Foucauldian lens

Edited book (chapter)

King, Julie. 2020. "Pedagogy and power through a Foucauldian lens." Morley, Christine, Ablett, Phillip, Noble, Carolyn and Cowden, Stephen (ed.) The Routledge Handbook of Critical Pedagogies for Social Work. United Kingdom. Routledge. pp. 143-152
Chapter Title

Pedagogy and power through a Foucauldian lens

Book Chapter CategoryEdited book (chapter)
ERA Publisher ID3137
Book TitleThe Routledge Handbook of Critical Pedagogies for Social Work
AuthorsKing, Julie
EditorsMorley, Christine, Ablett, Phillip, Noble, Carolyn and Cowden, Stephen
Page Range143-152
Chapter Number12
Year2020
PublisherRoutledge
Place of PublicationUnited Kingdom
ISBN9781138545748
9781351002042
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.4324/9781351002042-12
Web Address (URL)https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781351002042-12/pedagogy-power-foucauldian-lens-julie-king
Abstract

A critically reflexive approach to social work practice entails an understanding of power. However, there is a tendency to assume that the exertion of power necessarily involves oppression: by the state, by institutions, by individuals. This chapter draws on the work of influential social theorist and philosopher Michel Foucault to revision critical pedagogy in social work by providing an alternative view of power. Foucault argues that the exercise of power is omnipresent and ubiquitous, that it is a part of all of our relationships and interactions, and that it can foster positive, creative responses. The author explores Foucault’s “technologies of power”, including the “technology of self”, that captures the sense of individual agency expressed in exerting power over oneself. It is argued that this perspective can (paradoxically) empower while acknowledging subjection to power. Her experience with Australian social work students is that an analytical understanding of this notion of power, gained via critical reflection, leads to an appreciation of how power and agency can combine in unexpected ways to benefit individuals and societies and empower individuals. This ultimately benefits students, the practice of social work pedagogy and social work educators themselves.

Contains Sensitive ContentDoes not contain sensitive content
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020440999. Social work not elsewhere classified
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Byline AffiliationsQueensland University of Technology
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