Governmentality, a concept developed by the French philosopher and social theorist Michel Foucault, refers to the various ways through which populations and individuals are governed, not just by the state and its apparatus, but through wider social practices and techniques
Dual consciousness is a sociological and psychological concept that explores the internal conflict experienced by individuals who navigate between two different cultural or social realms.
Ethnocentrism, a term first coined by William Graham Sumner in 1906, is a critical concept in sociology that refers to the inclination to view one's own culture as superior to others.
The UK infected blood scandal, detailed in a 2,527-page public inquiry report, revealed that thousands of patients were knowingly exposed to contaminated blood products between 1970 and 1991, leading to over 3,000 deaths and widespread suffering from HIV and hepatitis C infections. The inquiry found that this tragedy was not an accident but a result of systemic, collective, and individual failures by successive governments, the NHS, and the medical profession, which prioritized economic and political interests over patient safety. The report criticized the government's slow response, lack of transparency, and inadequate support for victims, calling for a formal apology, compensation, and systemic changes to prevent such a disaster from recurring. This article looks at the relationship between this scandal and the concept of necropolitics.
Necropolitics, a concept developed by philosopher and political theorist Achille Mbembe, refers to the power and capacity of a state or authority to dictate how some people may live and how some must die. It extends Michel Foucault's notions of biopolitics and biopower, which focus on the governance of life and populations, to include the politics of death and the
Gerontology is a field of study within sociology that focuses on the social, psychological, and biological aspects of aging. This blog post explores the concept of gerontology, its significance, and its contributions to our understanding of aging and society. It discusses the scope of gerontology, its contributions to our understanding of aging and its implications for society, the methods and approaches used in gerontology research, and the importance of gerontology in promoting positive aging and creating age-friendly communities.
Gerontocracy refers to a social structure where older individuals hold the majority of power and decision-making authority. This blog post explains the concept of gerontocracy, its characteristics, implications, and relevance in contemporary society. It discusses social inequality, policy priorities, resistance to change, and representation. Understanding gerontocracy is crucial for promoting inter-generational equity and inclusive decision-making processes.
Gentrification is a complex process that occurs in urban areas, resulting in the transformation of a neighborhood through the influx of wealthier residents. While it can bring positive changes, such as improved infrastructure and economic growth, it often leads to the displacement of long-term residents and the loss of community identity. This blog post discusses the process of gentrification, its effects, and addresses the need for comprehensive approaches to mitigate its negative impacts. It emphasizes the importance of affordable housing initiatives, community engagement, and the preservation of cultural and historical significance in gentrifying neighborhoods.
Gender segregation refers to the separation of individuals based on their gender in social, educational, and occupational settings. This blog post explores the historical context, causes, and consequences of gender segregation, as well as efforts to address and challenge this phenomenon. By understanding gender segregation, we can work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive society that values diversity and challenges traditional gender roles.
The BBC have published an article which discusses the significant challenges faced by disabled individuals in navigating Paris's transportation system, particularly the Metro, ahead of the 2024 Paralympics. Despite promises of improved accessibility, only one of the 16 Metro lines is fully wheelchair-accessible, leading to frustration and shame among disabled Parisians. Influencers like Arthur Baucheron highlight the excessive travel time and costs involved in using alternative transport methods. The article underscores the limited progress in making lasting accessibility changes and the heavy reliance on buses and taxis, despite substantial investments. The experiences of individuals such as Nicolas Caffin illustrate the daily struggle and systemic barriers faced by the disabled community in Paris. This scenario exemplifies a broader sociological issue: the disproportionate burden placed on disabled individuals due to inadequate infrastructure. This burden manifests as excessive travel planning and decision-making, which exacerbates social inequalities and perpetuates systemic disadvantages for disabled people.
Structural inequality refers to systemic disparities ingrained in social institutions, resulting in uneven access to resources and opportunities. The inaccessibility of Paris's Metro system is a prime example of such inequality. Despite the city's promise to improve accessibility for the 2024 Paralympics, the reality remains grim, with only one of 16 Metro lines being fully wheelchair-accessible. This starkly contrasts with other major cities, such as London, where a more significant proportion of the public transport network is accessible.
The structural barriers in transportation systems force disabled individuals to engage in meticulous and often exhausting travel planning. As seen in the experiences of Nicolas Caffin and Arthur Baucheron, disabled Parisians must frequently rely on buses or taxis, which are not only more time-consuming but also
Gender roles are socially constructed expectations and norms that define the behaviors, responsibilities, and actions deemed appropriate for individuals based on their perceived…
