Total institutions

Total institutions are places where individuals live and work under strict control, with enforced routines and limited contact with the outside world. Examples include prisons, military barracks, and mental hospitals. In these settings, every aspect of daily life—such as sleeping, eating, working, and recreation—is regulated by authority figures. This environment aims to completely supervise and reshape individuals’ behaviors and identities, often leading to a sense of loss of personal independence. The concept highlights how such institutions can profoundly impact a person’s sense of self and social roles.