total institution

A total institution is a place where all aspects of daily life are controlled and organized by an institution, often for a specific purpose like correction, rehabilitation, or religious training. In such settings—like prisons, military boot camps, or monasteries—people live, work, and engage in activities under strict rules, with little personal autonomy. These institutions aim to reshape behaviors and identities through a highly structured environment, often leading to significant social and psychological impacts on individuals as they adapt to the institution’s norms and routines.