Definition:
Shame is an internalised emotional response in which a person perceives themselves as fundamentally flawed, inadequate, or unworthy, often in relation to social norms or expectations.
Usage Context:
Appears in discussions of mental health, productivity culture, disability, poverty, body image, and social conformity. Frequently invoked implicitly through language about failure, laziness, or not measuring up.
Critical Note:
Shame is a powerful tool of social control because it turns external pressure inward. Systems that generate shame can reduce resistance by convincing individuals that harm is deserved rather than imposed.