Asylums
Essays on the Social Situation of Mental Patients and Other Inmates
By Erving Goffman | Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
About the book
One of most influential social scientist of the twentieth century examines the meaning of the asylum
'Psychiatric staff share with policemen the peculiar occupational task of hectoring and moralizing adults'
This groundbreaking work of social science explores life in 'total institutions': the closed, regimented systems of prisons, boarding schools, nursing homes and, most importantly, mental hospitals, which cut individuals off from society. Focusing on the relationship between an inmate and the institution that contains them, Goffman unpicks how lives are managed 'on the inside', the loss of selfhood experienced by those held there, and the ways in which they try to regain their identities.
'One of the most distinguished and provocative of social scientists' The Times
Editions of Asylums
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780241548004
Read an Excerpt
One of most influential social scientist of the twentieth century examines the meaning of the asylum
'Psychiatric staff share with policemen the peculiar occupational task of hectoring and moralizing adults'
This groundbreaking work of social science explores life in 'total institutions': the closed, regimented systems of prisons, boarding schools, nursing homes and, most importantly, mental hospitals, which cut individuals off from society. Focusing on the relationship between an inmate and the institution that contains them, Goffman unpicks how lives are managed 'on the inside', the loss of selfhood experienced by those held there, and the ways in which they try to regain their identities.
'One of the most distinguished and provocative of social scientists' The Times
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Asylums about?
One of most influential social scientist of the twentieth century examines the meaning of the asylum
'Psychiatric staff share with policemen the peculiar occupational task of hectoring and moralizing adults'
This groundbreaking work of social science explores life in 'total institutions': the closed, regimented systems of prisons, boarding schools, nursing homes and, most importantly, mental hospitals, which cut individuals off from society. Focusing on the relationship between an inmate and the institution that contains them, Goffman unpicks how lives are managed 'on the inside', the loss of selfhood experienced by those held there, and the ways in which they try to regain their identities.
'One of the most distinguished and provocative of social scientists' The Times
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Asylums?
Health, Relationships and Personal development > Self-help, personal development and practical advice > Popular psychology
Where can I read a sample of Asylums?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780241548004
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Asylums?
Erving Goffman
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Asylums is available as paperback(ISBN 9780241548004)
Where can I buy Asylums online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Asylums from below