Potere disciplinare e norme incorporate

The problem I discuss is whether the behaviors which are the product of the exercise of disciplinary power may be characterized as “normative”, and if so in what sense of the word “normative”. Disciplinary power is, I will say, the “inscription of norms” in the body of those who are subject to it. I distinguish two ways (“indirect” and “direct” inscription) in which norms may be inscribed, through the exercise of disciplinary power, in the body of the subjects, which I dub, respectively, “automatic execution (of norms)” and “normative automatisms”. Automatic execution of norms is a well-known phenomenon. Normative automatisms are odd entities: in the case of normative automatisms, the norm is the body itself, as moulded by the exercise of disciplinary power.