Shame is a way to impose social norms without violence. To me it is intuitive that shame is a fundamental tool used to organize groups, especially when thinking about the formation of more primitive societies. Not intended to replace a citation, just my two cents.

A sportscaster recently talked about how great public shaming is. Athletes who make dumb tweets learn better if they’re publicly shamed rather than when they are suspended from playing.

That makes sense to me - do something dumb socially, the repercussions should be social as well.

This is definitely a position that is easier to hold in a position of privilege/popularity.

Shaming has rather drastic negative consequences, especially in communities that shame intelligence, education, gender, race, neurotype, etc.

I don't think anyone here implied shaming doesn't have [potentially negative] consequences.

It's a non-violent tool to shape societal or group norms. If you are in a shitty group (e.g. one that shames education), that doesn't change the argument.

Rule #1 with any weapon is to ask what it looks like when the tables are turned and someone uses it against you.

Every weapon is bad in the arms of the enemy. I won't be cutting any hands because they can form fists.