ABSTRACT
The author focuses on the physiological processes triggered by shame, exploring how these intersect with gendered social discourse to become part of her habitus or embodied history. She considers the regulation of the female body through its positioning in discourse, and its representation in the Christian tradition. She explores the integral role of gaze, both as a mediator of affect in her neurological and socioemotional development and as it informs the exposed and hidden subject positions that shame creates. Language serves to reinforce shamed subject positions, and she considers whether Christian discourse with respect to the feminine is primarily and intrinsically a language of shame. The author deals with a discussion of agency, exploring the way shame impedes women's ability to maintain due autonomy and control of their lives. Gender role researchers confirm that reducing gender role conflict (GRC) by allowing men a more flexible expression of masculinity increases respect for women, improves awareness of sexual consent and reduces gender violence.
