Modes of political subjectivation of university students

an interpretation of the subject in Michel Foucault

Abstract

The objective of this work of theoretical argument is to indicate some devices involved in the political choice of undergraduate students during their formative period. To this end, an interpretation of the constitution of the subject in Michel Foucault was proposed through a literature review. This led to the concept conventionally called modes of subjectivation. From this perspective, the relationship between the modes of subjectivation and the conception of truth was analyzed, as this is an essential factor in the composition of subjectivities in Foucault's reading. Finally, possible power-knowledge mechanisms involved in the production of political subjectivities of university students in contemporary times were indicated. Thus arguing that both the curricular subjects of higher education courses, and what Foucault called parrhesia, present in power relations, are relevant mechanisms for this political choice of students in the university context.