THE SOCIAL CLASSROOM//NOMINATED FOR RENEE SMIT AWARD//DUTCH DESIGN WEEK 2023
The Social Classroom
Is a space situated in educational systems that abuses tools of disciplinary power in an attempt to homogenize and control young minds.
0.1 Exposing Power and Identity in Educational Systems.
Step into “The Social Classroom” an audiovisual exhibition, where my personal experiences at an Indian boarding school lead me to explore Governmentality—the performance of power in contemporary society through persuasion, punishment, regulation, and normalization. This exhibition delves into the delicate balance between conformity and individuality, birthed from the extreme rules imposed on young students like myself. Rules such as strict food restrictions, detailed uniform expectations even down to the color of our undergarments.
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0.2 Forced Hierarchies
Through my research I created personas embodying these concrete hierarchies, reflecting the extreme tools of disciplinary power within educational institutions.
0.3 HACK YOUR SCHOOL Manifesto
“Hack your school” is a manifesto for Indian Girls to reclaim your stolen identity, to challenge the status quo, to embrace authenticity amidst these prevailing powers. Each chapter reveals daunting obstacles, concluding with a cheat sheet masked in irony—but if you dare tempting a sincere interpretation.