This dissertation aims to examine the way in which Goffman’s (1961) concept applies to the Irish system of Direct Provision. This will be done through outlining both the concept of the total institution and the Direct Provision system. Elements will be drawn from the concept in order to apply them to the system of Direct Provision. Examples from the system will be used in order to illustrate these elements. Once an examination is made on the way in which the concept applies to the system, there will then be an exploration of the research questions. This will find: if there are barriers to reform in Direct Provision when seen as a total institution; how does being a total institution make asylum seekers the ‘other’ in Irish society; and how being considered a total institution benefits the Irish state. This was analysed through deskbased research. The dissertation found that the concept of Goffman’s (1961) total institution can be applied to the Irish system of Direct Provision. After looking at the elements, it can be seen that the examples of the issues in Direct Provision illustrate the elements that are key to an institution being considered a ‘total’ one. Additionally, the dissertation found that the barrier to reform within the system is due to the government’s lack of urgency on the topic. Moreover, when being considered the ‘new’ total institution, in the context of Ireland’s history with total institutions, asylum seekers have been labelled the ‘other’ in the current Irish society. Lastly, the dissertation found that when the Direct Provision is considered a total institution the Irish state is able to benefit as they have gained social control over the asylum seekers within the system. Overall, the dissertation shows the way in which there is a lack of respect given to asylum seekers in the Irish Direct Provision system.