Guilt is the feeling of having done something wrong or failed to do something you should have done. In law, it also means the state of being responsible for a crime or offense.
From Old English “gylt,” meaning “offense, sin, crime, fine,” of uncertain origin. It originally focused more on the wrongdoing itself than on the emotion.
Guilt began as the wrong act, not the heavy feeling—over time, the word slid from the deed to the emotion. Now we often suffer more from the inner sentence we pass on ourselves than from any court’s judgment.
Cultural narratives have often imposed heavier burdens of guilt on women for sexual behavior, caregiving, and family outcomes, while excusing similar behavior in men. Legal and religious language has sometimes framed women as more morally culpable for transgressions.
Avoid reinforcing stereotypes that women are naturally more guilty or should feel more guilt for the same actions; discuss guilt in terms of actions and norms, not gendered expectations.
["responsibility","culpability","remorse"]
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