surveillance theories

Question 1

who developed the idea of a Panopticon?

Answer 1

Foucault

Question 2

what does Foucault say about the Panopticon?

Answer 2

in modern society we are increasingly controlled through self surveillance

in a panopticon prisoners cells are visible to the guards from a central viewing but the prisoners can’t see the guards so prisoners always have to behave as they don’t know if they are being watched or not

Question 3

who developed the idea of synoptic surveillance?

Answer 3

Mathiesen

Question 4

what does Mathiesen say about synoptic surveillance?
+example of synoptic surveillance

Answer 4

we not only have surveillance from above (panopticon) but surveillance from below (synoptic) where everybody watches everybody

e.g motorists and cyclists can monitor behaviour of others through dashboard or helmet cameras
this may warn other road users that they are under surveillance and result in them exercising self discipline

Question 5

what is the modern form of a panopticon?

Answer 5

CCTV

Question 6

are surveillance theories effective?
YES
+Gill and Loveday’s findings

Answer 6

CCTV has had some successes to identifying criminals

Gill and Loveday found criminals were put off from CCTV

Question 7

are surveillance theories effective?
NO
+Norris’ findings
+Norris and Armstrong’s findings

Answer 7

critics suggest CCTVs real function is to reassure the public even though it makes little difference to their security

Norris found CCTV had little effect other than displacement

Norris and Armstrong found CCTV operators using racist stereotypes, singling out black youth of surveillance