The micropolitics of conflicts in total institutions – The case of special approved homes for youths in Sweden

Albin Stenström,Tove Pettersson

doi:10.1177/2632666321993313

Abstract

This article focuses on conflicts between youths and staff at special approved homes in Sweden. We direct a special focus at the institutional micropolitics within which these conflicts arise and which the conflicts also contribute to form. Drawing on the work of Emerson and Messinger, our point of departure is an interactionist analysis of the micropolitics of trouble. One focal aspect in our study is the recurring patterns of conflicts – a pattern we have chosen to label the ‘conflict script’. The conflict script is a process set in motion when the staff explicitly state that they have ‘had enough’. Once started, it becomes an imperative and is therefore, in a sense, a consistent micropolitical measure. The conflict script generates immutable positions – the staff cannot back down, since their authority is at stake, and the youths know that resistance will result in the use of coercion. However, what leads to the staff having ‘had enough’ varies between interactions, which thus produces inconsistent micropolitics. The conflict script is central to understanding how trivial breaches of the rules, or other forms of disturbances, can escalate into situations that involve the use of force in the form of physical restraint and isolation.

Highlights

This article focuses on how conflicts between youths and staff are dealt with at special approved homes, which constitute a form of total institution (Goffman, 1961), and they share commonalities
The conflict script and the way it forms social control provides an additional piece of the puzzle in our understanding of this powerlessness
The conflict script generates immutable positions – the staff cannot back down, since their authority is at stake, and the youth know that resistance will result in the use of coercion

Summary

Introduction

This article focuses on how conflicts between youths and staff are dealt with at special approved homes, which constitute a form of total institution (Goffman, 1961), and they share commonalities. Quite ordinary conflicts (e.g. about having a glass of juice) may develop into serious conflicts – sometimes even resulting in isolation of the youth By analysing these conflicts within an interactionist framework, and from the perspective of both staff and youths, the study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of these patterns at the institutions. A small group, comprised of approximately 1000 individuals per year, are placed in state-administered special approved homes These are secure institutions with special powers, such as being able to place youths in isolation, conduct body and room searches and take blood and urine samples. Youths can be placed in special approved homes for three different reasons: criminality, substance abuse and/or other socially destructive behaviours. It is a requirement that the youth’s behaviour involves a substantial risk of harming the youth’s health and development and that necessary measures cannot

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