Crime, Shame and Reintegration

by John Braithwaite

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.

Genres: Sociology, Crime, Nonfiction, Law, Academic

236 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reintegrative shaming theory goes a long way to show that there is nuanced theoretical applications in criminology. Truly a fundamental text for those interested in modern restorative justice efforts.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like this 1989 classic could stand to be edited for a new edition. It's clear Braithwaite knows his topic. And his reintegrative shaming theory is definitely interesting. But the repetition got, well, a bit repetitive. Frequently he would mention topics briefly for a paragraph or two only to change the topic and say that there'd be more on that later. Um. In chapter one he goes so far as to say that you wouldn't miss much by skipping to chapter four. Double um. Thanks? The basic organization is a problem as well. There are only 10 long chapters, and while there are subheadings within the text, the table of contents does not disclose what is in each chapter. It is frustrating to find anecdotes you thought were in one chapter, but are actually in another (since both chapters mentioned that topic - nice, huh?). The book is dense with facts and criminological theory, and while it's not the easiest read, he *does* make the topic accessible enough for an almost-novice. I just wish the repetitive bits had been culled to make his 186 pages about 150 instead.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Very jargon-y, but I was interested in the ideas presented. Focuses on how shame can be either disintegrative (isolating and stigmatizing) or reintegrative (offering opportunities for people to make up for what they've done and reconnect to the community).

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

B+