Discipline: Power Technique Used to Control the Work of Early Childhood Teachers

Abstract

The objective of this research article was to study the power technique that were exercised through discipline to control the work of early childhood teachers in Bangkok and Mueang District, Chiang Mai Province. It was a qualitative research. Data were collected from early childhood teachers in government and private schools in Bangkok and in Mueang district, Chiang Mai Province, 41 people by purposive sampling. In-depth interviews combined with non-participant observation were conducted. The results of the research found that discipline was a power technique that controlled the work of early childhood teachers in various dimensions, namely 1) control through space and time, 2) control through technology, 3) control through dress and gestures, 4) control through documents for evaluation and quality assurance of education. The Discipline entered into the teacher's consciousness until it became a submissive and obedient body that affected the performance of teachers and the success of the organization. This was a technique of power that was used in modern organizations. It was power without the use of violence or physical pain. But it was the power to control the spirit in the work resulting in a body that was submissive and obedient. In this regard, policies at the ministry and school levels must regulate discipline in accordance with the law at all levels. And early childhood teachers must be given opportunities to question and negotiate discipline. This made the technique of power that was exercised through discipline unable to work completely and to maintain a balance of power between various positions in the school.