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Collective disturbance in institutions: a sociological view of crisis and collapse

Nick Manning (Director of the Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK. He was based at Darwin College, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, UK, when the article was written)

Therapeutic Communities: The International Journal of Therapeutic Communities

ISSN: 0964-1866

Article publication date: 24 September 2012

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the precarious existence which therapeutic communities face and the recurring concern about their survival.

Design/methodology/approach

Some general factors related to the possible collapse of communities are explored through a comparative study of communes, prisons, mutinies and student protest. Sources of internal disorganisation and external threat are examined and the crucial role of leadership explored.

Findings

A typology is suggested in which therapeutic communities exhibit a career of death, from functional failure, through self awareness, to official closure.

Originality/value

The paper provides valuable insight into therapeutic communities.

Keywords

Citation

Manning, N. (2012), "Collective disturbance in institutions: a sociological view of crisis and collapse", Therapeutic Communities: The International Journal of Therapeutic Communities, Vol. 33 No. 2/3, pp. 92-99. https://doi.org/10.1108/09641861211291577

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2012, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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