Losing Face: Shame, Society and the Self in Early Modern England

This book explores the prevalence and impact of shame in English society from 1550 to 1750, examining its various meanings and manifestations in everyday life, religious practices, family relations, social networks, and public contexts. It challenges the notion of a decline in shame and argues that while some forms diminished, others remained vital and were reformulated and enhanced during this period.

Format: Hardback
Length: 254 pages
Publication date: 04 March 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the profound and pervasive phenomenon of shame in English society during the two centuries spanning from approximately 1550 to 1750. Through a multidisciplinary approach, it explores the multifaceted meanings and manifestations of shame in various aspects of everyday life, both within private and public domains. By drawing insights from social sciences, the book uncovers the intricate practices and experiences of shame in devotional practices, family relations, social networks, and communities at large.

The book pays close attention to the diverse forms of shame that emerged during this period, recognizing the variations and distinctive characteristics that shaped individuals' experiences. It also identifies recurring patterns within the spectrum of shame, ranging from punitive, exclusionary, and coercive forms to more conciliatory, lenient, and inclusive ones. By contextualizing these diverse forms within the significant social and cultural shifts that occurred throughout the era, the book challenges prevailing notions of the decline of shame in the transition from early modern to modern times. Instead, it argues that while some modes of shame diminished or disappeared, others remained vital, were reformulated, and were vastly enhanced.

The book's rich analysis and insightful perspectives shed light on the complex interplay between shame, identity, power, and social norms. It explores how shame influenced individuals' behavior, relationships, and self-perceptions, and how it was negotiated and expressed in different cultural contexts. It also examines the role of shame in shaping societal structures, institutions, and cultural values, highlighting its potential for both positive and negative change.

Overall, this book is a valuable contribution to the study of shame, offering a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of its historical and cultural significance. It provides valuable insights into the ways in which individuals and societies have grappled with shame throughout history, and its enduring impact on our lives today.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032129259