According to Foucault, a significant change in the modern prison system is the shift from what to what?

According to Foucault, the significant change in the modern prison system involves a transition from violence against the body to reforming the soul. This reflects his broader analysis of power dynamics and social control. In earlier forms of punishment, physical violence, such as executions or corporal punishment, was employed to instill fear and exert control over the populace. These methods were public and straightforward, reinforcing the authority of the state through visible displays of power.

In contrast, the modern approach to punishment, especially in prisons, emphasizes rehabilitation and the inner transformation of the individual rather than physical punishment. This shift signifies a deeper change in societal values and perceptions of justice, where the focus moved toward addressing the underlying causes of criminal behavior and promoting moral and social rehabilitation. Foucault argues that this reorientation reflects a move towards a more subtle, insidious form of power that seeks to guide individuals' thoughts and actions, rather than just inflicting pain and suffering. This conceptual shift illustrates the evolution of societal mechanisms for managing deviance and maintaining order.