which of these is an example of a total institution?

Championisme authors

2 min read

·

14-10-2024

39

0

Share

Total Institutions: From Prisons to Boarding Schools

The term "total institution" was coined by sociologist Erving Goffman in his seminal work, "Asylums: Essays on the Social Situation of Mental Patients and Other Inmates." This concept refers to a closed, controlled environment where individuals are isolated from the outside world and subjected to strict routines and regulations. These institutions exert significant influence on their members, shaping their thoughts, behaviors, and identities.

But which of these is an example of a total institution?

Let's analyze a few possibilities:

1. A High School:

While high schools have strict schedules, rules, and a focus on conformity, they are not considered total institutions. Students typically return home at the end of the day, maintain contact with the outside world, and have freedom in their personal lives.

2. A Monastery:

Monasteries, with their emphasis on isolation, communal living, and strict adherence to religious rules, are considered total institutions. The external world is largely absent, and members are expected to dedicate themselves fully to the monastery's way of life. This is supported by sociologist Peter Berger's analysis of monastic life in his work, "The Sacred Canopy."

3. A Boarding School:

Boarding schools, especially those with strict rules, limited external contact, and a strong emphasis on internal order, can be considered total institutions. However, the level of totalism can vary greatly. Some boarding schools allow for greater external contact and autonomy than others.

4. A Prison:

Prisons are perhaps the most obvious examples of total institutions. Inmates are stripped of their personal belongings, subjected to constant surveillance, and restricted in their movements and interactions. Their entire lives are dictated by the prison's rules and regulations. This aligns with Goffman's original definition, as prisons "strip away the self" and force individuals to adapt to a new identity within the institution.

5. A Hospital:

Hospitals, while providing care and structure, generally don't qualify as total institutions. Patients maintain some freedom, have access to personal belongings, and retain relationships with the outside world. However, certain wards, particularly those for intensive care or long-term patients, might exhibit elements of totalism due to limited autonomy and increased control.

Beyond the Examples:

Understanding total institutions is crucial for analyzing power dynamics, socialization processes, and the impact of institutional control on individuals. By analyzing the features of these institutions, we can gain insights into how they shape behavior, enforce conformity, and create unique subcultures within their walls.

Further Reading:

• "Asylums: Essays on the Social Situation of Mental Patients and Other Inmates" by Erving Goffman (1961)
• "The Sacred Canopy: Elements of a Sociological Theory of Religion" by Peter L. Berger (1967)

By exploring these concepts and examining real-world examples, we can gain a deeper understanding of the societal forces that shape our lives.