Paanshmërinë

Paanshmërinë is a term used in social theory to denote the state or habit of acting without a sense of shame or accountability in social interactions. It captures how normative controls and moral emotions may be weakened or bypassed in certain contexts.

Etymology and scope: The word appears to be a compound formed from pa- meaning "without" and anshhmërinë, a neologism referring to the feeling or experience of shame. Its precise origins and usage vary among scholars and commentators, and its interpretation is often debated in contemporary discourse.

Concept and dynamics: Paanshmërinë can describe both individual dispositions and collective dynamics. At the individual level, it refers to repeated behavior driven by indifference to others’ judgments. At the collective level, it may reflect institutional or cultural environments where public accountability is minimized, ritualized, or strategically managed rather than genuinely felt.

Contexts and examples: In political discourse, paanshmërinë may describe tactics that deflect responsibility or sanitize harm. In corporate or media contexts, it can appear as performative apologies or deliberate evasion of consequences. In online spaces, anonymity and rapid provocation can foster displays of paanshmërinë.

Study and critique: There is no standardized measurement; researchers typically use qualitative methods such as discourse analysis, interviews, and case studies to assess manifestations and effects on trust and legitimacy. Some critics warn that the concept risks moralizing across cultures or overlooking structural factors that shape behavior.