Goffman's Theory on Total Institutions
Running Head: ERVIN GOFFMAN
Goffman's Theory
Elaine Tyler
SOC 101: Introduction to Sociology
Instructor: Jeremy Baker
July 8, 2013
ERVIN GOFFMAN
Goffman's Theory on Total Institutions We interact with a variety of people on a regular basis who influence our behavior but who are not family or friends. Many of these people we encounter because of their roles within particular social institutions with which we interact. They are part of our secondary group members; their opinions and behaviors shape us. Sometimes people live, work, eat, sleep and socialize in a single unit where their lives are largely controlled by those in charge; the organization controls the totality of one's life. (Goffman, 1961) Examples of them include orphanages, boarding schools, prisons, convents, hospitals, military barracks, and boot camps. When people live in total institutions, their identities become limited and shaped by those with whom they live. They lose the opportunity to construct a full social identity as they lose the ability to interact with the world. (Vissing, (2011), "An Introduction to Sociology", sec. 2.5) This is Goffman's theory on institutions as socialization agents. It best aligns with my personal view on institutional sociology. I will discuss how socialization in institutions affect our sociology. I will present to you examples of life in two institutions that express my agreement with Goffman's theory after a brief overview of theorist, Erving Goffman. Goffman’s books include: Asylums, The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life, Encounters, Behavior in Public Places, Stigma, Interaction Ritual, Strategic Interaction, Frame Analysis, and Gender Advertisements. Article: “The Interaction Order.” Total institutions – mental hospitals, prisons, monasteries, convents, the military, and boarding schools all have one thing in common: they are all total institutions – places of “residence and work where a large number of like-situated individuals,
Goffman's Theory
Elaine Tyler
SOC 101: Introduction to Sociology
Instructor: Jeremy Baker
July 8, 2013
ERVIN GOFFMAN
Goffman's Theory on Total Institutions We interact with a variety of people on a regular basis who influence our behavior but who are not family or friends. Many of these people we encounter because of their roles within particular social institutions with which we interact. They are part of our secondary group members; their opinions and behaviors shape us. Sometimes people live, work, eat, sleep and socialize in a single unit where their lives are largely controlled by those in charge; the organization controls the totality of one's life. (Goffman, 1961) Examples of them include orphanages, boarding schools, prisons, convents, hospitals, military barracks, and boot camps. When people live in total institutions, their identities become limited and shaped by those with whom they live. They lose the opportunity to construct a full social identity as they lose the ability to interact with the world. (Vissing, (2011), "An Introduction to Sociology", sec. 2.5) This is Goffman's theory on institutions as socialization agents. It best aligns with my personal view on institutional sociology. I will discuss how socialization in institutions affect our sociology. I will present to you examples of life in two institutions that express my agreement with Goffman's theory after a brief overview of theorist, Erving Goffman. Goffman’s books include: Asylums, The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life, Encounters, Behavior in Public Places, Stigma, Interaction Ritual, Strategic Interaction, Frame Analysis, and Gender Advertisements. Article: “The Interaction Order.” Total institutions – mental hospitals, prisons, monasteries, convents, the military, and boarding schools all have one thing in common: they are all total institutions – places of “residence and work where a large number of like-situated individuals,
References: (Gilligan, (2010), "Contemporary Sociology Theory 302", p. 1) (O 'Brien, (2012), "A Day in the Life of a Mental Hospital Patient", p. 1) http://idpm.me/2012/01/05/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-mental-hospital-patient-by-jennifer-obrien/ (Tewksbury, R., & Connor, D. P. (2012). Incarcerated sex offenders ' perceptions of family relationships: Previous experiences and future expectations. Western Criminology Review, 13(2), 25-35) http://search.proquest.com/docview/1037380124?accountid=32521