However, his work has gone on to become some of the most-cited of all time and continues to be relevant today.įoucault’s academic contributions continue to be incredibly influential today. He faced homophobia and often took unpopular political stances, such as protesting antisemitism and war. He held various research and teaching positions throughout his life, and was also politically active, supporting left-wing causes such as prison reform.įoucault published several books on a wide range of sociological, philosophical, and historical issues, including power, knowledge, mental illness, psychiatry, medicine, sexuality, the nature of punishment, the surveillance state and more.įoucault was at times a controversial figure in French academia while he was active. He studied philosophy and psychology at university and was fundamentally interested in the many intricate ways power operates in society. Foucault’s ideas and theories have shaped many academic disciplines, including history, philosophy, psychology and of course, sociology.īorn and raised in Poitiers, France Foucault was drawn to the humanities from a young age. Paul-Michel Foucault (1926–1984) was a French philosopher, historian and political activist who is considered one of the most noteworthy thinkers of the 20th century.

Finally, we will examine Foucault’s key concepts and contributions to sociological theory.

We will look at a list of his most famous works.

First, we will go over a summary of Foucault’s life, interests, and impact.

We will introduce Michel Foucault and his significance to sociology.

Foucault's ideas may seem complex, but they are important for any student of sociology to understand.

You may have come across mentions of Michel Foucault, or even “Foucauldian” theories in your sociological studies. Theoretical Approaches to Welfare Providers.Distribution of Wealth, Poverty, and Income in the UK.Representation of Social Class In The Media.Social Construction of Health and Illness.Postmodernist Perspective on The Family.Functionalist Perspectives on the Family.

Michel foucault on prisons