Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Reintegrative Shaming Theory (RST) posits that social aggregates characterized by high levels of communitarianism and non-stigmatizing shaming practices should benefit from relatively low levels of crime (Braithwaite 1989). To date, few studies have systematically assessed the explanatory power of these propositions across nations. The present study combines aggregate measures from the World Values Survey with available macro-level data to test the hypothesized effects of communitarianism and disintegrative shaming on international homicide rates. In addition, we examine the extent to which these variables interact with cultural and structural factors featured prominently in other macro-level theoretical frameworks (e.g. inequality, decommodification, and industrial development). Preliminary analyses provide limited support for RST, showing homicide rates to vary independently of societal levels of communitarianism and disintegrative shaming. Moreover, interactions between cultural and structural factors appear more complex than suggested by Reintegrative Shaming Theory. Theoretical implications are discussed.