Goffman claims that total institutions are ‘the forcing houses for changing persons; each is a natural 1 experiment on what can be done to the self. In order to understand this process, it is necessary to 1 examine the interactions which take place from the viewpoint of the imamates.

Within a total institution I they are largely cut off from the outside world and from longstanding relationships with family, friend’s f and work groups. In such social contexts in individual’s self-concept is sustained. His picture of himself as a father, breadwinner, friend and workmate is mirrored and reflected in his interaction with I others who respond to him in terms of these identities. This reflection with others who respond to him in terms of these identities these reflections of self are largely absent in total institutions