Explanation
Reintegrative shaming, introduced by John Braithwaite in Crime, Shame and Reintegration (1989), refers to a process where wrongdoers are publicly confronted with the harm they caused, but without permanent stigmatization. The key distinction is between stigmatizing shaming, which labels and isolates, and reintegrative shaming, which maintains social bonds and emphasizes the offender’s potential to return as a responsible community member.
This concept draws on sociological theories of social control, labeling, and communitarian values. It forms a cornerstone of restorative justice, especially in cultures or communities where collective responsibility and reconciliation are central.
Theoretical Reference
Located at the intersection of control theory, labeling theory, and restorative justice, Braithwaite’s approach bridges individual accountability and social reintegration.