![handle is hein.journals/punscty2 and id is 1 raw text is:
Copyright (!)SAGE Publications
London, Thousand Oaks, CA
and New Delhi.
Vol 2(1): 5-22
[1462-4745(200001)2:1;5-22; 010815]
PUNISHMENT
& SOCIETY
Digital rule
Punishment, control and technology
RICHARD JONES
University of Edinburgh, UK
Abstract
This article develops a theoretical model of 'digital rule'. This is a form of at-a-distance
monitoring which becomes possible with the advent of certain electronic technologies.
It is argued that this form of monitoring gives rise to a related form of decision-making,
and to particular forms of punishment, both directly and indirectly. The article begins
with a review of Foucault's work on 'discipline'. It is argued that while his general
approach remains useful, his 'technology of power' model requires updating, because of
certain moves within many criminal justice systems away from reliance on the
disciplinary techniques Foucault associates with modernity. I argue that comments by
Deleuze suggest a way of developing a theoretical adjunct to Foucault's model, and this
new control form I characterize as one of 'digital rule'. Various emerging electronic
technologies are examined, and it is shown how they operate specifically through
restrictions specified in terms of time and space. The relationship between formal
control, exclusion and punishment measures is considered, and it is concluded that in
this emerging form of rule, these aspects continue to have a very close relationship,
manifest here in a particular new way.
Key Words
control systems exclusion - monitoring sociology of punishment technology
INTRODUCTION
In this article, I develop a theoretical model of 'digital rule'. This is a form of at-a-
distance monitoring which becomes possible with the advent of certain electronic
technology. I argue that this form of monitoring gives rise to a related form of decision-
making, and to particular forms of punishment, both directly and indirectly. I begin by
reviewing the Foucauldian argument that there is no essence to 'punishment', and that
punitive sanctions should be considered as one part of a wider continuum of punishing
and controlling measures. I then argue that we should retain this anti-essentialist and
sociological aspect of Foucault's work, together with his specific theoretical model of
from the SAGE Social Science Collections. All Rights Reserved.](ViewImageLocal?handle=hein.journals/punscty2&div=1&collection=&method=preview&ext=.png&size=3)
What Is HeinOnline?
Contact us for annual subscription options:
Already a HeinOnline Subscriber?
profiles profiles most
Contact us for annual subscription options:
Already a HeinOnline Subscriber?
profiles profiles most
Contact us for annual subscription options:
Already a HeinOnline Subscriber?
profiles profiles most