Societies with low crime rates are those that shame potently and judiciously; individuals who resort to crime are those insulated from shame over their wrongdoing. However, shame can be applied injudiciously and counterproductively; the theory seeks to specify the types of shaming which cause rather than prevent crime. The book also discusses the dominant theoretical traditions: labeling, subcultural, control, opportunity, and learning theories, and facts a theory of crime should fit. The best place to see reintegrative shaming at work is in loving families, a concept explored along with discussion of why and how shaming works. The book summarizes and tests the theory, examines social conditions conducive to reintegrative shaming, considers reintegrative shaming and white collar crime, and discusses shaming and the good society. Footnotes, references, index