This book presents a novel approach to framing the concept of stigma, and understanding why and how it functions. Graham Scambler extends his analysis beyond common social interactionist understandings of stigma by linking experiences to the larger social structure—the political economy. A Sociology of Shame and Blame contends that stigma is being ‘weaponised’ as part of a calculated political strategy favouring capital accumulation over justice, and addresses how the shame associated with stigma has taken on the additional dimension of blame through micro-interactions. The unique Insider-Outsider approach that Scambler harnesses draws on micro and macro social theory to identify links between the prevalence of stigma and agency, culture and structure, and will be an original and key reference point for students and scholars across the social and behavioural sciences, including, but not limited to, sociology, anthropology, psychology, public health and social policy.

Shame. It wounds us. It damages us. Or, for the few poor souls out there like me...it defines us. I'm the son of the devil, himself-the most feared mob boss who ever lived. I was cursed from the moment I took my first breath. I hate him...and I never wanted to become him. And I sure as hell never, ever, wanted anything of his. Until her. My name is Ricardo DeLuca. There are two things you need to know about me. The first-is that I'm in love with the girl who belongs to my father. The second-is that it turns out I am my father's son after all. My name is Lou-Lou, and you probably think I'm a bitch. You would be right-because I am. You think you know all there is to know about me because of the man I belong to. What you don't know-is my past, because I'll never tell you. What you don't know is my shame. Because if you did-you'd be worse off than dead. You'd be broken. There are two sides to every story...this is ours. Warning: Due to strong language, some violence, explicit sexual content, and some dark elements, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18. Trigger Warning: This series contains elements of emotional, sexual, and physical cruelty. Any readers with sensitivity to the above topics should proceed with caution, and at their own risk. Author's Note: This is part one of a three book series. (Blame It on the Shame: Lou-Lou and Ricardo's story.) However, in order to truly enjoy Lou-Lou and Ricardo's story, it is advised you read 'Blame It on the Pain' first. This novel is a full-length novel (67,000 + words.)

Pain. It hurts us. It pushes us. It punishes us. Or, for the few poor souls out there like me...it defines us. I'm not a good person. There are no redeeming qualities about me...not anymore. Any that I had, I'd given to the devil on the night that changed everything. The night my baby sister died. The night I murdered her killer. Yes, I've taken a life...and I would do it again in a heartbeat. And I would never, ever, have an ounce of regret for being who I am. Until her. My name is Jackson Reid. There are two things you need to know about me. The first-is that I'm in love with Alyssa Tanner. The second-is that I'm a murderer. My name is Alyssa Tanner, but you probably know me as the whore who caused her step-father to lose the election for New York City Mayor. And you would be right- because the day the world branded me a slut I decided to become one. You think you know all there is to know about me because you've seen what I look like naked. Believe me, you haven't even cracked the surface. What you don't know-is my past, because I've been forced to keep it a secret to ensure my safety. What you don't know is my pain. Because if you did-you'd be dead. I bet you think you know how this story will unfold...but trust me, you really have no idea. Warning: Due to strong language, some violence, explicit sexual content, and some dark elements, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18. This is a full-length, novel. (100,000+ words.)

"Eva's always dreamed of performing, but the spotlight isn't what she expected. When Swan, Starlotte City's favorite magician, takes offense with well-meaning animals, she and the crowd begin tossing animals out of Starlotte City and into the Raft of Shame. Join Eva as she explores how to deal with offense, and then experience the lesson with your own family through the activities included in the BRAVE Challenge at the end of the book."--Cover.

Have you given serious thought to your decision to become a parent,step-parent, foster or adoptive parent,even a teacher or any caretaker of a child? Have you considered what an awesome responsibility and privilege it is to guide the development and outcome of another human being? Are you already a parent who has questions or regrets about mistakes made during your parenting journey? Are you willing to begin to understand and accept the childhood experiences that are affecting your adult functioning and parenting style? Are you ready to move beyond the BLAME and SHAME of childhood trauma associated with neglect, abuse, loss and separation that affects your adult functioning? Will you consider using the tools of self-empowerment laid out in this book?

First published in 2007 with the title: I thought it was just me: women reclaiming power and courage in a culture of shame.

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” — Romans 8:1 Shame is an assault on the core of who we are. It assassinates our character, minimizes our worth, and dashes our hope. Like Adam and Eve, we often hide shame, but hiding never heals it. Left unattended, shame can develop into a crippling reality that paralyzes us. Like an infectious disease, shame impacts everyone . . . but not all shame is bad. Shame can either be an oppressive and powerful tool of worldly condemnation or a source of conviction that God uses to bring his people back to himself. Having the discernment to know the difference and recognize shame in its many forms can change the course of one’s life. In a transparently honest style, Pass shares of her experience dealing with shame after learning that her former husband was a sexual offender. Having lived through the aftermath, she leads you into God’s Word where you will see for yourself that God is bigger than your pain, shame, mistakes, and limitations. Shame Off You shares how freedom can be found in choosing to break the cycle of shame by learning from the past, developing healthy thinking patterns, silencing lies, and overcoming the traps of vanity and other people's opinions.