Saving Face: The Benefits of Not Saying I'm Sorry

Abstract:     
This forthcoming article explores the question of why individuals resist apologizing, even when it is rationally in their best interest to do so - such as when it would significantly reduce a criminal sentence or settle a civil lawsuit at little or no cost. Drawing on a significant body of research by social psychologists on apology, the article posits that individuals primarily resist apology when it poses an intolerable threat to their face - or their claimed identity as competent, intelligent, or moral persons. In light of this research, the article then critiques the failure of recent laws designed to encourage or compel apology to take face into account.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 14

Keywords: apology, law and psychology, sociology, torts, criminal law

JEL Classification: K42, K4, K14, K13

Accepted Paper Series