I've heard that theory of the Therapeutic Community enough times to repeat it forwards and backwards - how a guy has to learn to get along in a group before he'll be able to function in a normal society; how the group can help the guy by showing him where he's out of place; how society is what decides who's sane and who isn't, so you got to measure up.
The concept of the Therapeutic Community, as described in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" by Ken Kesey, emphasizes the necessity for individuals to learn interpersonal skills within a group setting. This approach suggests that before a person can thrive in broader society, they must first understand how to interact with others in a confined environment. The group serves as a mirror, reflecting back behaviors that may be problematic or disruptive.
Moreover, the narrative highlights society's role in defining sanity, suggesting that individuals must conform to certain social norms to be accepted. It underscores the pressure to fit in, as societal standards dictate who is deemed sane and who is not. Overall, the Therapeutic Community serves as a training ground to prepare individuals for the complexities of social integration.
