In Is Shame Necessary? rising star Jennifer Jacquet shows that we have to use shame if we want to bring about political change and hold the powerful to account

In cultures that champion the individual, guilt is seen as the cornerstone of conscience yet it proves impotent in the face of corrupt corporate policies. Jennifer Jacquet persuasively argues that modern-day shaming is a non-violent form of resistance that can be used to bring about large-scale change. Shaming, Jacquet shows, works best when used sparingly, but when applied in just the right way and at just the right time, it can keep us from failing ourselves.

'Shaming is society's natural stabilizer and organic risk-management mechanism, and one that is ignored in modernity, particularly in the virtual world. Worse: it has been largely ignored by researchers before Jennifer Jacquet, whose book gives us an insightful treatment of a vital topic' Nassim Taleb, author of Antifragile

It's time to give shame a good name. In this galvanizing, optimistic book, Jennifer Jacquet shows how, when used in the right way, it is the most effective tool of resistance we have.


About the Author
Jennifer Jacquet is an associate professor in the Department of Environmental Studies and director of XE: Experimental Humanities and Social Engagement at New York University, as well as the author of the acclaimed Is Shame Necessary?

Reviews
Thought-provoking treatise on the soft power of opprobrium, and its important role in achieving social cohesion in an ever more individualised culture... timely and urgent * Economist *
Intelligent and provocative... The prospect of shame is a powerful social corrective * Daily Telegraph *
Thoughtful and measured * Huffington Post *
Shaming is society's natural stabilizer and organic risk-management mechanism, and one that is ignored in modernity, particularly in the virtual world. Worse: it has been largely ignored by researchers before Jennifer Jacquet, whose book gives us an insightful treatment of a vital topic -- Nassim Taleb, author of 'Antifragile'
This is a wonderful, important and timely book. It shows us that the glue that really holds society together is not laws and diktats but honour and shame -- Brian Eno, Long Now Foundation



Book Information
ISBN 9780241961858
Author Jennifer Jacquet
Format Paperback
Page Count 224
Imprint Penguin Books Ltd
Publisher Penguin Books Ltd
Weight(grams) 167g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 130mm * 13mm