Why Know and Have Shame are Important? The Indonesian Adolescents’ Experience

Abstract

Shame is one of the self-conscious emotions which needs more cultural insights from studies. West’s definition of shame has been very negative, following its negative externalization, such as anger. On the other hand, the East concept of shame, as well as Southern Americans, value shame as positive. Within Javanese culture, the most populated island in Indonesia, shame is introduced, educated, and socialized as isin from childhood. A mature Javanese is one with isin. This study aims at understanding the importance of isin of Javanese adolescents. A total of 118 Javanese adolescent students completed an open-ended question regarding the importance of isin. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis and aided by MAXQDA to code and categorize the responses. Five themes of the isin importance are identified: pro-social motives, self- improvement, self-awareness, self-control, and learning resources. There is no negative response concerning the isin experience. The findings confirm the positive aspect of shame within the East perspective.