Erving Goffman argues that a mental hospital patient is primarily formed by their institution, not their illness. This thesis asserts that a patient's reactions and adjustments are comparable to those of inmates in other closed institutions. The book examines the social situation of mental patients, suggesting that the institutional environment profoundly shapes individual identity and behavior.
The book analyzes the shared experiences and coping mechanisms of individuals confined within total institutions, regardless of the specific reason for their confinement. It highlights how the structure and social dynamics of these settings create uniform inmate roles and responses. Readers will understand how institutional settings, rather than pre-existing conditions, can be the dominant force in shaping the identity of those within them.
Key concepts
- Total Institution — An institution where individuals are physically separated from society and lead a highly structured, regimented life.
- Inmate Role — The patterned behavior and social position adopted by individuals within a total institution as a response to their environment.
- Social Situation of Mental Patients — The social dynamics and environmental factors that shape the experience and identity of individuals within mental hospitals.