Which of the following is a characteristic of total institutions?

Total institutions, a concept introduced by sociologist Erving Goffman, are environments where individuals' daily lives are heavily regulated and controlled by the institution. This characteristic is a defining element of total institutions, which include settings such as prisons, mental hospitals, military boot camps, and boarding schools. In these environments, individuals are isolated from the outside world and subjected to strict rules and regulations that dictate their behavior, interactions, and even aspects of their personal identity.

The control over participants' lives within total institutions is evident in how they manage everything from daily routines to social interactions. Such institutions aim to break down previous identities and re-socialize individuals according to the institution's norms and expectations. This results in a significant impact on individual agency and autonomy, fundamentally contrasting with environments that promote personal freedom or emphasize individual accomplishments. Therefore, the characteristic of control over participants' lives is a hallmark of total institutions, illustrating how they function to maintain authority and structure within their confines.