Against the background of the multifaceted and various interpretations and definitions of the concept of shame in sociological, psychological, and philosophical literature, Liz Frost, author of this chapter, proposes a systematic classification at which level shame could be considered. This three-part taxonomy she developed in reference to Honneth’s theory of recognition with the expectation of generating an analytical tool for social work theory, reflection, and practice. Three levels are taken into account: political/national, group/social and individual/personal. In each category it will consider how and by whom this type of shame might be generated, some key ideas or arguments within its purview, and some effects and/or practices that it leads to. The importance of the proposed taxonomy is illustrated and clarified on the basis of the phenomenon of ageism.
Making Sense of Shame