Task 1 - Panopticism

In our modern society, it could be argued that many everyday environments we are exposed to employ panoptic elements, from shop floors to classrooms to the factory floor. There is one aspect of our lives however, that could be seen to panoptically reign over all other examples of its occurrence. Religion plays a part in around 80% of peoples lives globally and this dedication to various perceptions of religion has undoubtedly started to expose and identify the panoptic roles it can play.


Bentham's panopticon places the individual in a secluded cell, a position where "he is seen, but he does not see", in turn creating a "permanent visibility that assures the automatic functioning of power". Christianity, much like other religions takes the idea of an all seeing God and places it not only in stationary places of worship, but extends the ‘seeing’ infinitely, with the individual left constantly unsure as to whether he or she is being watched from above.


Religion has a few blanket rules that tend to apply all-round; Be civil and friendly to one and other, Listen to the words of God and don’t sin. Bentham speaks of “a power situation of which they themselves are the bearers”, which is essentially true of religion, one can choose to follow a religion, and usually do so, sticking to the rules and proving their faith by attending regular services. Nobody would blink and eyelid if the average man didn’t attend every week, although the subject self-regulates him/herself with the thought of someone much greater watching over. Societies have used this idea to maintain order within developing civilisations, “and this invisibility is a guarantee of order”.