Although a 2011 study found that almost half of women experience unfair discrimination because of their gender, the term “gender shame” is difficult to define, especially because it is often combined with other forms of sexism. It causes confusion and guilt for victims of sexual abuse.
Perhaps the following definition works best: slurs that embarrass women because of real or imagined sexual experiences are considered moral and pure violations. In its purest form, it is an attack on a woman’s character and reputation, and on her sexuality.
Women around the world are often taught, openly or not, that their sexuality determines their worth in the world. Many cultures consider it dangerous to violate (or be seen as violating) women’s sexual expectations, from premarital sex to monogamy to sexual pleasure or being interested in sex. For centuries, the control of women’s sexuality has been a societal norm (even the Romans worked to control women’s sexuality).
Women have been brutalized for thousands of years, and it still happens today. We all know that people out there, and sometimes even law enforcement, justify violence and sexual harassment of women by accepting women’s past sexual behavior. Young women think that young women can be the cause of crime, and that with their different behaviors, even if it’s a little different, they consider it offensive. A “classic”. (hehe double standard right?).
However, despite its long cultural history, there is a lack of long-term studies on the psychological effects of shaming. Women often do not want to talk about it, and while it’s easy to draw conclusions about its harmful effects, scientists are not interested in studying it. However, there is very little research describing the effects of prostitution and how long it lasts in the minds of victims.
Shame is a feeling we only feel as part of a group.
Shame concerns our reputation, among other things. The difference between shame and regret is this: Guilt can happen without the presence of people around us, while shame depends on whether the world around us believes that our actions are shameful or not. It’s about public exposure and acceptance. In fact, some thoughts on the etymology of the word “shame” come from the concept of “shame”, which is behavior that has a negative impact not only on oneself but also on one’s community.
It’s no surprise that shame can affect morale. Shame on women is particularly effective as a psychological tool because, in much of the modern world, sex is often surrounded by an atmosphere of shame and silence. Sex, in itself, is seen as shameful, and being a woman further degrades sexuality. If the environment has a history of it, it covers everything.
On the other hand, many societies have conflicting expectations about women. Women should be clean, plump, and sexy, and naturally playful. We are under great pressure to live up to our maiden ideals, but when we fail, we believe in our own sexual weakness.
Aside from the deep psychological power of shame, what else can shaming do to us?
Being shamed can make women feel isolated. But this does not stop them from having strong friendships.
Because shame is inherently a threat to self-esteem, it marks people with a special version of the “scarlet letter” and separates them from their peers. This can increase feelings of isolation and general distrust. Isolation is also believed to be a major factor in self-harm.
Interestingly, one of the most important studies to evaluate sexuality in 2015 found that, at least in women ages 19 to 26, it’s not what it seems. According to research, women with multiple sexual partners are more likely to engage in shy behaviors (such as talking about their sexual experiences) – but they also enjoy a group of friends and best