Panopticism

Panopticism is the act of being watched or viewed in a way as to uphold discipline in the law. There are various examples of panopticism that can be seen on a regular basis throughout daily lives. Examples of panoptic methods most commonly occur in architecture and other structures. Generally, panoptic buildings all share common ground with one another and modern day panopticons are based around the original panopticon. These buildings were most commonly used to house a mass of people, examples of which include schools, hospitals and most commonly, prisons. The structure of these panoptic prisons were round and hollow on the inside, prisoner cells would circle the outer walls of the building, whilst in the middle would stand a watch tower or other form of surveillance system. Although the design of these prisons could be considered odd, the psychological effect it had on the prisoners themselves was astonishing. Because all cells faced the watch tower the prisoners were under constant watch from the guards, often the windows of the tower would be blacked out, only allowing the guards to look through the glass at the prisoners, not the other way around. It was this constant feeling of being watched that kept the offending men at bay and under control. This complete lack of privacy proved extremely effective in keeping the men under control but was deemed cruel due to the effect it had on the men in long term.

In the present day panopticism is still being used in order to keep people from breaking the law, although the methods have evolved somewhat. Methods such as CCTV, speed cameras and other recording equipment are an unavoidable aspect of day to day life. Although some could argue that these cameras are here for our own good and to record any negative activity that comes to light, others could retort that this form of panopticism is, in fact, more damaging that the original panoptic structures of the past. Further arguments to back this up would suggest that the sheer mass number of CCTV and recording technology used to record us proves that the public have no privacy and that despite the amount of surveillance this still does not keep people from breaking the law and committing crimes. 

In conclusion, the panoptic system, although proving useful in architecture, has become more invasive and all around less effective than it once was, raising questions as to if panopticism is really necessary in this day and age or if another form of enforcement is needed.