Shame and Social Work: Theory, Reflexivity and Practice

This book explores the complex phenomenon of shame and humiliation in social work, providing a comprehensive understanding of its social and political contexts, effects on service users and professionals, and the importance of sensitive, reflective, and relationship-oriented practice.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 218 pages
Publication date: 22 October 2021
Publisher: Bristol University Press

For numerous service users and professionals in the realm of social work, shame permeates their daily existence, casting a profound and enduring shadow over their experiences. In order to provide a comprehensive exploration of the intricate dynamics of shame and humiliation, this book delves into key contextual factors and theoretical frameworks that aim to comprehend the significance of shame within the field of social work. It offers a comprehensive grasp of shame, its underlying social and political contexts, and the profound effects it has on service users and professionals alike. Through the integration of innovative international scholarship and empirical insights derived from the realm of social work, the book underscores the imperative of sensitive, reflective, and relationship-oriented practice grounded in a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of shame.

The first chapter of the book establishes a foundational framework for understanding shame by exploring its historical and cultural roots. It examines how shame has been shaped by societal norms, religious beliefs, and cultural values, highlighting the ways in which it can perpetuate social inequalities and oppression. The chapter also explores the personal and interpersonal dimensions of shame, emphasizing the ways in which individuals internalize and express shame in their relationships with others.

The second chapter delves into the theoretical perspectives on shame, exploring various psychoanalytic, sociological, and cultural theories that shed light on its nature and effects. The authors examine how shame is constructed, maintained, and reproduced through social interactions, power dynamics, and cultural norms, and how it can manifest in various forms such as guilt, embarrassment, and self-hatred. The chapter also discusses the role of shame in maintaining social order and control, as well as its potential for transformation and healing.

The third chapter explores the impact of shame on service users and professionals in the field of social work. It examines how shame can manifest in different contexts, such as poverty, addiction, trauma, and mental health, and how it can exacerbate existing vulnerabilities and barriers to accessing services. The chapter also highlights the ways in which shame can be addressed and transformed through therapeutic interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based approaches.

The fourth chapter examines the role of shame in social work practice and education. It explores how social workers can cultivate a shame-sensitive approach to their work, recognizing the ways in which shame can manifest in their interactions with service users and colleagues. The chapter also discusses the importance of incorporating a broader understanding of shame into social work education, training programs, and curriculum development.

The fifth chapter explores the implications of shame for social policy and advocacy. It examines how shame can be used as a tool for social change, highlighting the ways in which it can be mobilized to challenge oppressive systems and promote social justice. The chapter also discusses the challenges of addressing shame on a societal level, such as through public education campaigns and policy interventions.

The final chapter summarizes the key findings and conclusions of the book, highlighting the importance of a nuanced and comprehensive understanding of shame within social work practice and education. It emphasizes the need for sensitive, reflective, and relationship-oriented practice grounded in a deeper understanding of the complexity of shame, as well as the importance of promoting social change and justice through a broader understanding of shame.

In conclusion, this book provides a valuable contribution to the field of social work by offering a comprehensive exploration of the complex phenomena of shame and humiliation. Through its interdisciplinary approach, it sheds light on the historical, cultural, and personal dimensions of shame, and its impact on service users and professionals. By promoting a shame-sensitive approach to practice and education, the book aims to empower social workers to work more effectively with service users and to contribute to the promotion of social justice and well-being on a broader societal level.

Weight: 340g
Dimension: 156 x 236 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781447344087