What do you find most impressive about Foucault's History of Sexuality, (Vol. 1)? And what are its main deficiencies?
             Michel Foucault 'a History of Sexuality Volume 1' is marked by his application of the concept of power relations in modern society, particularly in respect of sexual history. In the realm of sexuality, and that which is sexual, power plays an undeniably integral role, Foucault offers us a definition of that sexual power which leads to a greater insight into both sexuality and society alike, and is perhaps the most impressive feature of this work.
             The benefits of Foucaults approach can be viewed best when we take a holistic view of power relations, and Foucault relates a vision of power mechanisms operable within society, which allows us to intellectually depart from the concept of conflict between the opposing forces of oppressor and oppressed, and to speak more openly of power and discourse in their more general and everyday occurrences.
             Foucaults offers a new framework for thought on both power and sexuality, and it is from within this framework that one is drawn, perhaps, to make the most relevant criticisms. Foucaults own relationship with the discourse, and in particular his endeavor to remain separated from it, is perhaps the source of the greatest apparent deficiency of the text.
             Power defines individual actions within society in a multitude of various activities and social settings, how we interact with others in many different contexts is very often defined by the application of power in that context. We all appreciate power as an influence in all that we do in our everyday life's, but perhaps few of us appreciate what that illusive factor termed power truly is, much less the source and motivation for its application.
             Perhaps the greatest strength of Foucault's work is the definition of power which he gives, and how this relates to the sexuality of individuals within society. Discourse at a variety...