Donzelot: the policing of families

Donzelot: the policing of families

1. Like Marxists and Feminists Donzelot sees policy as a form of state power over families

   • Concept of surveillence
   • This power is spread throughout society
     • E.g. doctors and social workers exercise power over their patients by using expert knowledge

2. Policing of the families

   • Social workers, doctors and health visitors use their knowledge to control and change families
     • Poor families are targeted more
       • Areas for 'improvement'
       • More likely to breed criminals

3. Rejects 'march of progress view'

   • Social policy and professionals control the family

4. Criticisms

   • M&F: fails to identify who benefits from thee policies of surveillance