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: Paperback / softback
Length: 254 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
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 meticulous attention to the diverse forms of shame, recognizing their unique characteristics and patterns. It explores a spectrum of shame, ranging from punitive, exclusionary, and coercive forms to more conciliatory, lenient, and inclusive ones. By placing these diverse forms within the context of the significant social and cultural transformations that occurred during 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, underwent reformulations, and were significantly enhanced.

The book's chapters delve into various topics related to shame, including its historical origins, cultural expressions, psychological effects, and societal implications. It examines how shame has been shaped by religious beliefs, social norms, gender roles, and power dynamics, and how it has influenced individual behavior, interpersonal relationships, and social structures. The authors also explore the role of shame in the construction of identity, the development of moral values, and the negotiation of social hierarchies.

Through its rich analysis and compelling storytelling, this book offers valuable insights into the complex and enduring nature of shame in English society. It sheds light on the ways in which individuals and societies have grappled with shame, and how it has played a significant role in shaping the course of history. By providing a comprehensive understanding of shame's multifaceted manifestations, this book contributes to our broader understanding of human emotions, social interactions, and the complexities of human experience.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032129273