Crime, Shame and Reintegration

Product Description


This book, a contribution to general criminological theory, suggests that the key to why some societies have higher crime rates than others lies in the way different cultures go about the social process of shaming wrongdoers. Shaming can be counterproductive, making crime problems worse. But when shaming is done within a cultural context of respect for the offender, it can be extraordinarily powerful, efficient, and just form of social control.


Review


"This book seems likely to become a classic. It will be widely read, and its claims should inspire a good deal of empirical research. If the theory of reintegrative shaming proves to explain even a portion of the topics Braithwaite addresses, this book will have made an important, lasting contribution." Joel Best, Social Forces

"Anyone who wants to become or remain well informed about theories of crime and deviance should have this book on the bookshelf." Contemporary Sociology


Book Description


A contribution to general criminological theory is supplied by this study's claim that the key to why some societies have higher crime rates than others lies in the way different cultures "shame" wrongdoing.


About the Author


John Braithwaite is a Professor in the Centre for Restorative Justice, Research School of Social Sciences, Australian National University.