Theory of Power and Knowledge
• Michael Foucault (1980, 1982, for example) argues that knowledge is one of the sources of
power.
• It means that after enlightenment, “knowledge” became a new form of control and
domination.
Figure 3. Theory of Power and Knowledge
• For example, Escobar (1984) says that the Western effective domination over the 'Third
World' became possible through new forms of power and knowledge.
• It is called western discourse of development.
• That is, since 1945 the Western 'developed' countries regarded the 'Third World' as
'underdeveloped' and have managed and controlled it effectively.
• It means that, even you are “subordinate” people today, if you gain enough appropriate
knowledge, you will gain power such as leadership in the society.
• Likewise, subordinate people are often see passive or victims, in fact they are active
character especially when they gained appropriate knowledge.