Interdisciplinary Applications of Shame/Violence Theory: Breaking the Cycle

This book explores James Gilligan's theory of shame and violence across disciplines, examining its existential origins, emotional, linguistic, cognitive, and cultural manifestations, and its relationship with other emotions. It also examines the role of shame in communities at the fault lines of current affairs, identity politics, and "culture wars." It contributes to the literature on political psychology and psychosocial studies by blending theory and practice, focusing on gender as a key lever of the mechanism of shame, and exploring the mechanics of shame and shame awareness.

Format: Hardback
Length: 342 pages
Publication date: 24 August 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This book is a groundbreaking exploration of James Gilligan's theory of shame and violence, extending its application across various disciplines and levels of analysis. It critically engages with shame theory, delving into its existential origins, emotional, linguistic, cognitive, and cultural manifestations, as well as its relationship with other emotions like anger, guilt, and pride. The book also examines the role of shame in communities grappling with contemporary issues such as Brexit, trans rights, and racial equality. By combining theory and practice, with a specific focus on gender as a key lever of the shame mechanism, it offers innovative insights into the mechanics of shame and shame awareness. This research aims to provide guiding principles, practical models, and potential solutions for addressing and overcoming shame in various contexts.

Introduction:
The book begins by providing a comprehensive overview of James Gilligan's theory of shame and violence, highlighting its significance in understanding the dynamics of human behavior and social interactions. It then sets the stage for the interdisciplinary exploration that follows, emphasizing the book's commitment to crossing boundaries and fostering cross-disciplinary dialogue.

Existential Origins of Shame:
Chapter 1 delves into the philosophical and psychological roots of shame, exploring its existential dimensions and its relationship with the self. The author examines the concept of "being-in-the-world" and how shame arises from the tension between our innate desire for connection and the fear of being rejected or abandoned. This chapter also explores the role of early childhood experiences and cultural conditioning in shaping our understanding of shame.

Emotional, Linguistic, Cognitive, and Cultural Manifestations of Shame:
Chapter 2 explores the emotional, linguistic, cognitive, and cultural manifestations of shame. The author examines how shame manifests in the mind, body, public space, and civic culture, highlighting the diverse ways in which it can be experienced and expressed. The chapter also discusses the relationship between shame and other emotions such as anger, guilt, and pride, as well as the ways in which they interact and influence one another.

Symptoms and Relationship with Other Emotions:
Chapter 3 examines the symptoms and relationship of shame with other emotions such as anger, guilt, and pride. The author explores how shame can lead to negative self-perceptions, self-criticism, and a sense of inadequacy, while also examining how it can be triggered by external factors such as social judgment and cultural expectations. The chapter also discusses the role of shame in maintaining social order.

Shame in Communities at the Fault Lines of Current Affairs, Identity Politics, and "Culture Wars":
Chapter 4 examines the role of shame in communities at the fault lines of current affairs, identity politics, and "culture wars." The author explores how shame is used as a political tool, how it is perpetuated by social media and media narratives, and how it affects individuals and communities. The chapter also discusses the ways in which shame can be resisted and overcome, particularly in the context of social movements and activism.

Contributions to Political Psychology and Psychosocial Studies:
Chapter 5 discusses the contributions of the book to political psychology and psychosocial studies. The author highlights the innovative application of the concept of shame, blending theory and practice, with a specific focus on gender as a key lever of the shame mechanism. The chapter also explores the mechanics of shame and shame awareness, and proposes a range of guiding principles, practical models, and possible solutions for the future.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book is a groundbreaking exploration of James Gilligan's theory of shame and violence, extending its application across various disciplines and levels of analysis. It critically engages with shame theory, delving into its existential origins, emotional, linguistic, cognitive, and cultural manifestations, as well as its relationship with other emotions. The book also examines the role of shame in communities grappling with contemporary issues such as Brexit, trans rights, and racial equality. By combining theory and practice, with a specific focus on gender as a key lever of the shame mechanism, it offers innovative insights into the mechanics of shame and shame awareness. This research aims to provide guiding principles, practical models, and potential solutions for addressing and overcoming shame in various contexts.

Weight: 601g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031055690
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022