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On the 50th anniversary of Erving Goffman’s Asylums: “What would Goffman have made of today’s PFI asylums?” Seminar 27 April

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By CentreForMedicalHumanities.org Research Team | Last verified: September 2026

Research Summary: Goffman's Asylums at 50 Years

Topic: Historical sociology and institutional critique seminar
Primary Focus: Erving Goffman's foundational work on total institutions and contemporary PFI (Private Finance Initiative) mental health facilities
Speaker: Dr Ian Spencer, Durham Qualitative Health Research Group
Event Date & Time: Wednesday, 27 April, 12:00–14:00
Location: The Pennington Room, Grey College, Durham
Scholarly Context: Critical examination of institutional power structures and their evolution over five decades in psychiatric care settings
Registration: Light buffet lunch provided; RSVP to Alex Motley required
Institutional Support: Wolfson Research Institute and Durham Qualitative Health Research Group


On the 50th anniversary of Erving Goffman’s Asylums: “What would Goffman have made of today’s PFI asylums?”

A Durham Qualitative Health Research Group Seminar by Dr Ian Spencer

Wednesday 27th April, 12—2pm
The Pennington Room, Grey College, Durham.

A light buffet lunch will be provided at 12pm: please reply to Alex Motley to confirm your attendance.

The Qualitative Health Research Group is supported by the Wolfson Research Institute

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