The ability to go about without shame
Emphasizing the importance of dignity, respect and freedom from humiliation.
Poor people and communities continue to cite direct experiences of indignity, shame and humiliation as painful components of their deprivation. Shame and humiliation can result in isolation – thereby corroding social relations and breaking down social capital. They have negative effects on psychological wellbeing and group identity. Moreover these can lead people to turn away from public services that could benefit them, and may, in extreme cases lead to conflict.
Policies to reduce poverty should be informed by better data on what Adam Smith called ‘the ability to go without shame’.
Resources
Survey module: The ability to go about without shame – English, July 2009
Survey module: The ability to go about without shame – Spanish, July 2009
The missing dimensions modules have been implemented and integrated into multi-topic household surveys. Read more about the projects around the world.
