Given that it operates on the same principles of oversight, control, and regulation as panopticism, the workforce system in contemporary society might be viewed as a manifestation of this phenomenon. In his book “Discipline and Punish,” Michel Foucault established the social theory of panopticism, which outlines a system of power and control in which people are watched over and governed by an invisible authority, encouraging self-control and conformity. Employees are continuously seen and judged in the workplace by tools like time-tracking software, performance reviews, and other types of workplace surveillance. The purpose of this monitoring is to boost output and efficiency, but it also fosters a sense of surveillance and control, which encourages self-discipline and adherence to workplace rules. Additionally, the growth of the sharing economy has made it simpler for businesses to engage contract or freelance workers, who are frequently compensated based on their production and are subject to even stricter monitoring. As a result, employees are pitted against one another and encouraged to put in long hours and accept lower compensation in order to win new contracts. The power of panoptic monitoring in the workplace is also strengthened by the employment of algorithms in hiring and performance reviews. These algorithms categorize and sort people according to their credentials, abilities, and employment history, which results in a standardization of the workforce and the reinforcement of social norms. In conclusion, the workforce system in contemporary society can be compared to panopticism because it functions on the same principles of surveillance, discipline, and regulation. Although it might increase production and efficiency, it also runs the risk of undermining personal freedoms and maintaining current power structures and inequalities.
