ABSTRACT This article theorizes the biopolitical production of embodiment through a consideration of biopolitical metaphor. It is argued that much recent theoretical work on biopower fails to provide an adequate account of embodiment, and particularly on the question of the habitualization of bodily experience. However, read through the lens of biopolitical metaphor, and drawing on the works of George Lakoff and a Mark Johnson, a dynamic account of the biopolitical shaping of bodily memory and embodied habit becomes possible. Moreover, it is argued that a theory of biopolitical metaphor provides provocative openings for thinking together the recent discursively oriented work on biopower and other approaches associated with the affective turn, specifically around the problems of mimesis and supplement. New research directions are proposed, centered on common experiences of biopolitical domination among marginalized groups drawn from shared experiences of habit and embodiment.
New article in Body & Society: “Biopolitical Metaphor: Habitualized Embodiment Between Discourse and Affect”
6 Mar3 Responses to “New article in Body & Society: “Biopolitical Metaphor: Habitualized Embodiment Between Discourse and Affect””
Leave a Reply
Author
Sam Binkley is Professor of Sociology at Emerson College.
SAM BINKLEY 
Reblogged this on Foucault News.
Dear Sam,
I found the abstract very helpful and also enticing. Can you please tell me how I could get a copy of the article,
With thanks
Steven Ogden, Brisbane
hi steven:thanks for your interest! I’m not sure exactly when the article will come out, but I’ll update my blog when it does. otherwise, if you email me separately I can share the MS with you that way. Cheers! — sb