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Assignment 8

In Part 4, Ch. 4: Periodization of his book, Foucault introduces the “medical technologies of sex” (1978:119). This is a technique that is considered new in the time-period of the 19^th century, contrary to the technique used during the 17^th century, which consisted majorly of many prohibitions and restrictions. There is less focus on repression, and more focus on the analysis of sexuality in terms of the organism and how it fails to conform to its normalcy. Foucault brings to focus the great shift in the general attitude of society concerning sexuality from death and punishment to life and illness. This explains how the power of Christianity in controlling the sexuality of its people through fear of being punished has now lost its vast influence. Instead, there exists a rise of the medical theory that claims sex is hereditary, further suggesting that sex that does not conform to society’s expectation is unhealthy, not just in the physical sense, but as a concern for the whole state and its individuals. This technique of comparing sexuality as a disease that can be possibly transmitted to other people, especially within families, though it is hard to prove scientifically, is a central “technology of sex” that is used to deter people from unproductive pleasure-seeking behaviors during the 19^th century. When there is a certain disease or defects experienced by relatives, there is a deficit in that family’s strength and health, and the lack thereof is considered as a vulnerability that can prevent the continuation of generations. There is a treat to the “biological responsibility” because the end result not only effects the current generation, but goes on to the future generation as well. There is an aspect of utilitarianism, in that there is a strive to benefit the whole bourgeoisie; for the better good of the people, everyone should be “healthy.”