The Moral Psychology of Shame

Shame is a complex emotion that has been debated for centuries, with some scholars arguing that it is maladaptive and oppressive, while others argue that its absence can lead to moral insensitivity. This collection of essays explores the two sides of shame and the importance of the Other in shaping moral identity, spanning millennia and cultures and currently animating important debates in feminism and disability studies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 266 pages
Publication date: 01 February 2023
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Few emotions have sparked as much debate and contention as shame. Some scholars argue that it is a maladaptive emotion that is wielded to oppress minorities, reinforce stigmas, and perpetuate traumas, leaving individuals at the mercy of those in power. On the other hand, others contend that the absence of a sense of shame is equivalent to a callous moral insensitivity. As the twelve original chapters in this collection demonstrate, shame scholars are entering a new phase where scholarship no longer seeks to pit one side of shame against the other but rather embraces both aspects as integral to understanding the phenomenon.

At the heart of our understanding of shame, there exist deep disagreements regarding the role of the Other in shaping our moral identity. This collection, through its examination of shame, highlights the enduring challenge of establishing a connection between the Self, the Other, and morality across millennia and cultures. It sheds light on ongoing debates at the forefront of feminism and disability studies, where the interplay between these three elements continues to shape our societal understanding and attitudes.

Contributors to this collection are esteemed scholars from various fields, each bringing their unique perspectives and expertise to the study of shame. Mark Alfano, Alessandra Fussi, Lorenzo Greco, JeeLoo Liu, Katrine Krause-Jensen, Heidi L. Maibom, Tjeert Olthof, Imke von Maur, Alba Montes Sánchez, Raffaele Rodogno, Alessandro Salice, and Krista K. Thomason are among the notable scholars who have contributed their insights to this volume.

In their chapters, contributors explore various aspects of shame, including its historical and cultural manifestations, its psychological and physiological effects, and its relationship to morality and ethics. They examine how shame is experienced by individuals across different contexts, such as gender, race, sexuality, and disability, and consider the ways in which it shapes their lives and interactions with others.

One theme that emerges from the chapters is the complex interplay between shame and power. Scholars argue that shame can be used as a tool of oppression by those in power to maintain social hierarchies and control marginalized groups. They explore how shame is perpetuated through cultural norms, stereotypes, and social expectations, and how individuals who challenge these norms risk being labeled as shameful or deviant.

At the same time, contributors also recognize the potential for shame to be a catalyst for positive change. They argue that shame can be a powerful motivator for self-reflection, empathy, and personal growth. They explore how shame can be used as a tool for social justice and activism, as individuals and communities recognize the injustices and inequalities that perpetuate shame and work towards dismantling them.

Another theme that emerges from the chapters is the importance of recognizing the diversity of shame experiences. Scholars argue that shame is not a monolithic emotion but rather a multifaceted and nuanced phenomenon that can manifest in different ways across individuals and cultures. They highlight the need for empathy and understanding when engaging with individuals who experience shame, as it is often rooted in complex and deeply personal experiences.

The chapters in this collection also provide valuable insights into the therapeutic implications of shame. Scholars argue that shame can be a source of great suffering and that addressing it through therapy can be a transformative experience. They explore different therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, and group therapy, and consider how these approaches can help individuals work through their shame and develop healthier coping strategies.

In conclusion, this collection of essays offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the complex and multifaceted phenomenon of shame. It highlights the profound disagreements about the importance of the Other in shaping our moral identity and the ongoing debates at the core of feminism and disability studies. By embracing both sides of shame as faithful to the phenomenon to be explained, the contributors to this collection provide valuable insights into the complexities of shame and its impact on individuals, communities, and society as a whole.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538177693