The Spatial Regulation of Pupils’ Bodies to Train Turkish Nationals in Primary Schools: A Foucauldian Analysis

Authors : Alca DOKUZOGLU OTTEWELL

Pages : 107-117

Doi:10.24331/ijere.677108

View : 28 | Download : 12

Publication Date : 2020-03-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The aim of this research was to explore the use of space and place in natural classroom and the school environment in a Turkish context. Drawing upon the theoretical framework of Foucault’s modern power control strategies, a major factor influencing teachers’ classroom practices both in the State and the Private Primary Schools emerged. A highly centralised Turkish educational system has a major influence on teachers’ classroom practices. Teachers’ classroom behaviour may be explained through the spatiality of the schools. Spatiality can also be considered to be a mode of modern power control. Therefore the structure of space in both the State and the Private Primary Schools is a form of surveillance apparatus. In particular, Ataturk portraits and Turkish flags were prominently displayed in every corner of the Primary Schools, which seemed to act as a reminder of the state control and ‘Turkishness’. Systematic surveillance techniques were employed at the schools.
Keywords : Foucault, Turkish educational system, modern power control strategies