Summary of "PSICOPOLÍTICA y el control mental del NEOLIBERALISMO | Byung-Chul Han"
Summary
The video discusses Byung-Chul Han's concept of "psychopolitics," which he contrasts with Michel Foucault's "biopolitics." Han, a South Korean philosopher, critiques contemporary neoliberal society, arguing that it operates under a new paradigm of power that emphasizes positivity and self-exploitation rather than the traditional forms of control characterized by negativity and discipline.
Key Points
- biopolitics vs. psychopolitics: Han references Foucault's idea that power historically managed life and death through institutions like schools and hospitals, focusing on controlling bodies to enhance productivity. In contrast, Han argues that modern society has shifted towards psychopolitics, where power operates through the psyche and self-management, leading individuals to internalize control and self-exploit.
- performance society: Han describes contemporary society as a "performance society," where the emphasis is on individual productivity and the idea of freedom to act. However, this supposed freedom leads to coercion, as individuals compete against themselves, resulting in mental health issues like depression and burnout.
- intelligent power: Unlike traditional forms of coercive power, Han describes the modern power structure as "intelligent power" that subtly influences behavior without overt violence or oppression. This power is embedded in digital technologies and algorithms that shape individual choices and actions, often without individuals' awareness.
- self-exploitation: Han posits that in neoliberalism, individuals become both the worker and the entrepreneur, leading to a situation where they exploit themselves. This dynamic transforms class struggle into an internal struggle, complicating the fight against oppression.
- Consequences of psychopolitics: The effects of psychopolitics manifest in social and political realms, creating a new form of governance that appears impersonal yet exerts significant control over individuals. This form of power is difficult to identify and resist because it operates under the guise of freedom and self-empowerment.
The discussion emphasizes the need to critically examine the obsession with productivity and the underlying dynamics of power that shape individual and societal behavior in contemporary neoliberal contexts.
Presenters/Contributors
- Byung-Chul Han
- Juan Felipe
Category
News and Commentary
