Total institutions

Definition

Total institutions are places where people are cut off from wider society and lead an enclosed, formally administered life. These include prisons, military boot camps, and psychiatric hospitals, where all aspects of life are controlled by the institution.

Related terms

Bureaucracy: A formal organization characterized by a hierarchical structure, clear division of labor, set of rules and regulations, and impersonal relationships.

Socialization: The process through which individuals learn and internalize the values, beliefs, and norms of their culture or group, adapting to their social environment.

Group Dynamics: The patterns of interaction between members within a group, including how decisions are made, roles assigned, and conflicts resolved