Comfort in others' shame

Available for over a year

Jane Garvey asks why we appear to enjoy the shame and failure of others. Voyeuristic tales of those who fall short of the standards we hold up fill the pages of our daily newspapers. But, is it helpful to blame the overweight for the impact of obesity in society any more than it is to blame a holidaying Prime Minister for the course of complex international events? And when we talk about the 'shameless' family who rely on benefits, what is it that lies behind our fascination? Prurience or censoriousness, why do we take comfort in others being made to feel bad? Presenter: Jane Garvey Producer: Ruth Watts.