The Sociology Book

268

“Mortification of the self”
is Goffman’s term for an
institutional process whereby
an individual is stripped of
a sense of self. A personal
identity is transformed into
an organizational identity—as
“patient” or “inmate.” At the
outset, the “old self” is partly
defined by trappings, such
as possessions and clothes.
Within the institutional maze,
by becoming a number, getting
a haircut or a uniform, having
freedom curtailed through
physical restraints, and one’s
behavior modified by rules, or
perhaps through medication, a
compliant “new self” is forged.

emphasized; for example, by having
to ask permission to go to the toilet.
This adds to what Goffman calls a
“mortification of the self,” which is
brought about by the humiliations
and degradations of such a life.
Usual face-saving ways of
coping with these situations, such
as sarcasm or profanity, are not
possible in “total institutions”
because punishment will ensue.
Inmates have to make a primary
adjustment to this organizational
demand, and often end up in a
placid state where they can be easily
controlled, enabling the institution
to function effectively. The system
of privileges and reward used by
the institution, in return for work in
the kitchen or elsewhere, can help
to focus an inmate’s energy and
attention, and give a new sense
of purpose and meaning, while
keeping them compliant.
In some cases, the institution
can overwhelm the inmate,
resulting in either “conversion”
or “colonization.” In an asylum,
conversion is when a patient
accepts a hospital’s definition
of them—for example, as being
emotionally disturbed—and then

tries to conform to what is

expected of the ideal patient.

Colonization, according to Goffman,

is when the institution’s regime

engulfs the inmate, so that the

world “inside” seems preferable to

that outside and the inmate would

be unable to function in the world

outside the institution.

Salvaging identity

The second stage of a mental

patient’s progress is the salvaging

of some sense of individuality.

ERVING GOFFMAN

Although “total institutions” are

focused on producing standardized

behavior, many inmates find ways

to adjust. Goffman suggests that

humans can develop complex

responses to the types of demands

on the self required by such

organizations. He maintains that

a process of secondary adjustment

enables individuals to create a new

self, centered on the organization,

which inhabits the spaces not

taken by the rules and regulations.

These secondary adjustments

comprise the “underlife” of the

institution and are a means for the

inmates to get by on a day-to-day

basis, produce a degree of

autonomy, and retain some

personality. The most popular way

this is done, according to Goffman,

is by “playing it cool”; generally

getting along with staff while

carving out an identity and

“working” the system without

overtly clashing with the rules.

Inmates can find and use what he

refers to as “damp corners” in the

organization—spaces such as

kitchens, workshops, or the sick

bay—that provide an opportunity

to exert control over self and

Many total institutions...

seem to function merely as

storage dumps for inmates,

but... usually present

themselves to the public as

rational organizations.

Erving Goffman

Hair cut Individual

medicated

Clothes and

possessions

taken away

Movement

restrained

Old self New self