Final answer:
Michel Foucault's work examines how discursive formations manage various aspects of life through 'biopower,' a form of social control exerted by the state that influences the production of knowledge and perpetuates the power of dominant groups.
Step-by-step explanation:
Michel Foucault examines the discursive formations that seek to manage various aspects of social life through what he terms "biopower". This concept refers to the methods by which the state exerts control over its citizens' bodies and behaviors through practices surrounding birth, death, sexuality, wellness, illness, work, and leisure. Foucault argued that power is not a static entity held by individuals or groups, but rather, a network or web that permeates society, manifesting in both institutionalized forms and diffused throughout societal relations. He proposed that power affects the production of knowledge, shaping societal beliefs and norms to reinforce the dominance of those in power. Foucault's ideas of biopower are closely related to his work on biopolitics, where he explores how populations are categorized and controlled to maintain and enhance state power, often leading to the marginalization of certain groups.