Introduction: Shaming - Definition, Historical Origins and Contemporary Proliferation of an Elusive Concept
Year: 2023
Type: book-chapter
Abstract: The chapter explores old and modern practices described as shaming with an emphasis on the recent rise of public interest in the issue. It also points out that although shaming has major implications to the legal world, it remains virtually undefined in legal literature. The chapter addresses arguments that may explain why a legal definition of shaming has not yet emerged, and puts forward a nuanced legal definition of shaming: shaming takes place when a shamer deliberately disseminates information, which even if true, is likely to harm the reputation of the shamee whom this information concerns before a public relevant to her, and/or embarrass or discomfort her. Shamer may expose the information by using different means or platforms. Shamer may expose the information for various reasons and purposes. The means and purposes of shaming differ from one case to another. They also influence its effects and consequences. The definition the chapter proposes allows the legal audience to explore the elements the authors find common to all practices referred to as 'shaming' in public debates, as well as elements that differ between contexts, layers, and purposes of shaming.
Source: Edward Elgar Publishing eBooks
Authors: Meital Pinto, Guy I. Seidman
Institutions: Zefat Academic College, Reichman University
Language: English
Subfield: Law
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4386952091