The Spatial Regulation of Pupils’ Bodies to Train Turkish Nationals in Primary Schools: A Foucauldian Analysis

Abstract

The aim of this research was to explore the use of space and place in natural classroom and the
 school environment in a Turkish context. Drawing upon the theoretical framework of Foucault’s
 modern power control strategies, a major factor influencing teachers’ classroom practices both in the
 State and the Private Primary Schools emerged. A highly centralised Turkish educational system has
 a major influence on teachers’ classroom practices. Teachers’ classroom behaviour may be explained
 through the spatiality of the schools. Spatiality can also be considered to be a mode of modern power
 control. Therefore the structure of space in both the State and the Private Primary Schools is a form
 of surveillance apparatus. In particular, Ataturk portraits and Turkish flags were prominently
 displayed in every corner of the Primary Schools, which seemed to act as a reminder of the state
 control and ‘Turkishness’. Systematic surveillance techniques were employed at the schools.