Which type of institution exemplifies the concept of "total institutions"?

A total institution is defined as a place where individuals are cut off from the wider society for an extended period and lead an enclosed, formally administered life. Prisons are prime examples of total institutions because they completely enclose individuals within a structured environment, where the daily activities of inmates are meticulously controlled and monitored. Within this setting, identity and role are heavily influenced by the institution itself, and social interactions often occur only within the confines of that institution.

In contrast, universities, community centers, and sports clubs do not fully involve the same level of control over individuals' lives or remove them from society. While they may create specific environments for certain activities or learning, they do not represent the same degree of isolation and regulation that characterizes total institutions like prisons. At universities, students maintain more independence and connection to the outside world, while community centers and sports clubs primarily serve as places of social interaction and personal growth without the restrictive oversight typical of total institutions.