Source: (2003) Social Problems. 50(4): 592–617.
Using self-projected measures of criminal behavior obtained from a telephone survey, we investigate the
predictive ability of four variables central to individual-level application of Braithwaite’s shaming theory:
participation in gossip, having been reintegratively shamed, having been the object of gossip, and having been
stigmatically shamed. The results are partially supportive of the theory. Contrary to expectations, the theoretical
inhibitory shaming variables (participation in gossip and being reintegratively shamed) do not reduce projected
misbehavior. Consistent with predictions, however, theorized crime-generative shaming variables (having been
the object of gossip and having been stigmatically shamed) do appear to increase the chances of several forms of
misbehavior. In addition, individuals’ interdependency does not enhance the effects of the inhibitory shaming
variables and has only limited and contradictory effects in enhancing the effects of crime-generative shaming variables.
Results suggest that the theory needs clarification and that it may need further refinement to specify more
carefully the conditions under which shaming processes inhibit or enhance criminal probabilities. Author’s abstract.
Your donation helps Prison Fellowship International repair the harm caused by crime by emphasizing accountability, forgiveness, and making amends for prisoners and those affected by their actions. When victims, offenders, and community members meet to decide how to do that, the results are transformational.
Donate Now