Public Sociology as a Path to Shame Reduction

• In Event: Student Forum Roundtables Session
  In Refereed Roundtable (90 minute): Roundtable 20: Sociological Theory and Methods

Abstract

Public sociology often centers the goal of policy change, but it can also be a path to shame reduction by illuminating stigmatized experiences. Public sociology is uniquely suited to address shame due to its direct focus on public groups and communities and the people within them. Through community-based research methods and public dissemination of research findings, public sociologists can expose the societal scripts and meanings that are contributing to the shameful emotional response, reduce the shame individuals experience, and through this process, bring about tangible social change.

Author

• Kayla Valdivieso, George Mason University