In which year did Michel Foucault write his famous book The History of Sexuality?

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Correct option is C

1976

Michel Foucault’s The History of Sexuality was first published in 1976 in French, marking a pivotal moment in the study of social and cultural history. The book is a seminal work in which Foucault explores how sexuality has been shaped, regulated, and institutionalized by various powers in society over time. He challenges traditional views of sexual repression and instead argues that modern societies have been more concerned with regulating and organizing sexual behaviors through different institutions such as medicine, law, and the family.

Foucault introduces the concept of bio-power, which refers to the ways in which state institutions regulate individuals through control of life processes, including sexuality. The book is part of a series of works in which Foucault explores the relationship between power, knowledge, and societal structures.

Information Booster:

1. Bio-Power – Foucault's concept of bio-power refers to the regulation of individuals through social institutions that manage aspects of life, including sexuality, reproduction, and health.
2. Repressive Hypothesis – Foucault critiques the repressive hypothesis, which posits that societies have suppressed sexual expression. Instead, he argues that modern societies are more focused on discussing, categorizing, and regulating sexuality.
3. Sexuality and Power – The book emphasizes that sexuality is an area where power and knowledge are exercised, with institutions like the church, state, and medical authorities shaping sexual norms.
4. The Discursive Nature of Sexuality – Foucault argues that sexuality is not just biological but is constructed through discourse—the language and practices used to talk about it.
5. Historical Analysis – Foucault uses historical methods to trace how the regulation and perception of sexuality have evolved, particularly from the 17th century onward.
6. Interdisciplinary Influence – The History of Sexuality has influenced numerous fields, including gender studies, queer theory, sociology, and cultural studies, due to its critical approach to sexuality and power.

Additional Knowledge:

• 1984 – This is the year George Orwell’s famous novel 1984 was published, which focuses on themes of totalitarianism and state surveillance, but it is unrelated to Foucault's work on sexuality.
• 1993 – In 1993, the second volume of Foucault’s The History of Sexuality was published, which continued the discussion on sexuality and power. The first volume was still released much earlier in 1976.
• 1980 – This is a year in which various social and political movements were prominent, but it is not associated with the first publication of Foucault's The History of Sexuality.