Characteristics of Total Institutions

Total institutions are unique social systems that exhibit distinct characteristics, shaping the lives of individuals within them. This article explores the defining features of total institutions, drawing from various authoritative sources to provide a comprehensive understanding of their nature and function.

Totalistic Nature

A fundamental characteristic of total institutions is their totalistic nature. They encompass all aspects of an individual’s life, breaking down the barriers that typically separate different spheres, such as home, work, and leisure. Within these institutions, all activities occur in one place, tightly scheduled and administered by a single authority figure or governing body. This tight control over daily life allows for effective monitoring and management of the population by a small staff.

According to the Office of Justice Programs, total institutions are separated from wider society by physical attributes, such as high walls, locked doors, or vast distances, ensuring a distinct boundary between the institution and the outside world. This separation reinforces the self-contained nature of total institutions and reinforces the authority of the institution over its inhabitants.

Resocialization

Resocialization is a key objective of total institutions. These institutions aim to modify the identity of individuals, stripping them of their previous identities and imposing a new identity that aligns with the inmate world inside the institution. This process of resocialization involves removing personal possessions, clothing, and establishing a standardized institutional identity.

As stated in the study conducted by the National Criminal Justice Reference Service, participation in a total institution can be voluntary or involuntary. However, once individuals become part of a total institution, they must adhere to the rules and undergo a transformative process of leaving behind their previous identity and adopting a new one dictated by the institution.

Privileged System

Total institutions employ a privilege system to regulate behavior and promote obedience to institutional authority. This system provides rewards and special privileges to individuals who exhibit good behavior and adhere to the rules. By offering incentives, total institutions aim to create a sense of order, discipline, and conformity among the population.

This privilege system can vary depending on the type of institution and its specific goals. For example, in a prison setting, privileges may include access to recreational activities, visitation rights, or opportunities for early release based on good conduct. In educational or work-focused total institutions, privileges might be tied to academic achievements or work performance.

Adaptation to the New Environment

Within total institutions, individuals adapt to their new environment in various ways. Some may withdraw and focus solely on the immediate surroundings, conforming to the rules and regulations of the institution. Others may rebel against the institutional authority, challenging the established norms. Additionally, some individuals may develop a preference for life inside the institution, finding comfort and security within its structured environment. On the other hand, there are those who seek to fit in perfectly with their behavior, conforming to the institutional expectations to gain privileges and avoid punishment.

In conclusion, total institutions are closed social systems characterized by their totalistic nature, resocialization objectives, privilege systems, and individual adaptation to the new environment. Understanding these characteristics is crucial for comprehending the dynamics and impact of total institutions on individuals’ lives.

Sources

1. Office of Justice Programs. (link: https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/characteristics-total-institutions-inmate-world-prison-studies)
2. ThoughtCo. (link: https://www.thoughtco.com/total-institution-3026718)
3. Study.com. (link: https://study.com/academy/lesson/total-institution-definition-characteristics-examples.html)

FAQs

What is a total institution?

A total institution is a closed social system in which all aspects of an individual’s life are tightly controlled and organized by strict norms, rules, and schedules. It is characterized by its separation from wider society and the authority of the institution over its inhabitants.

What is the purpose of resocialization in total institutions?

The primary purpose of resocialization in total institutions is to modify individuals’ prior identities and conform them to the requirements and norms of the institution. It involves stripping individuals of their previous identities and providing them with a new identity that aligns with the inmate world inside the institution.

How do total institutions foster obedience and discourage rule-breaking?

Total institutions employ a privilege system that provides rewards and special privileges for good behavior. This system is designed to incentivize obedience to the authority of the institution and discourage individuals from breaking the rules. By offering incentives, total institutions aim to create a sense of order, discipline, and conformity among the population.

How do individuals adapt to the new environment within total institutions?

Individuals in total institutions adapt to their new environment in various ways. Some may withdraw and focus only on their immediate surroundings, conforming to the rules and regulations of the institution. Others may rebel against the institutional authority, challenging the established norms. Additionally, some individuals may develop a preference for life inside the institution, finding comfort and security within its structured environment. There are also those who seek to fit in perfectly with their behavior, conforming to the institutional expectations to gain privileges and avoid punishment.

What are some examples of total institutions?

Common examples of total institutions include prisons, military compounds, private boarding schools, and locked mental health facilities. These institutions are characterized by their closed social systems, strict control over individuals’ lives, and the resocialization processes they employ.