Panopticism Happy Housewife and Women Before World War 2 Discussion

Panopticism Happy Housewife and Women Before World War 2 Discussion

Answer two (2) questions below in an essay format. Each answer should fill 4 double-spaced typed pages with 12-point font. Therefore, total of 8 double-spaced typed pages are required.

Questions

1. In “Panopticism,” Michel Foucault introduces the concept of behavioral changes as set in correlation to surveillance. He discusses how Jeremy Bentham’s model of the Panopticon, that emerges as a new type of prison architecture in the 18th Century, was then further applied to schools, hospitals and factories. Within this apparatus, a person in fear of being watched will end up self-regulating or becoming the “guardian” of their own conduct. Can this model inform our understanding of social power dynamics, behaviors and culture in today’s context? Taking into consideration the design of the digital world and online surveillance, explain how some of the power dynamics made possible by the Panopticon translate to today’s world. Use a design-based example to illustrate your argument.

2. In “The Happy Housewife.” Penny Sparke highlights the different roles assigned to women in the postwar United States. Using an example, explain how design might contribute to defining distinct roles for women and heighten gender inequalities.

Here are the readings in order to answer questions (attached):

Foucault, Michel. “Panopticism.” In Design Studies: A Reader, pp. 238-245.

Sparke, Penny, “The Happy Housewife: Domesticity Renewed.” In So Long As It’s Pink, pp. 165-186