Final answer:
Theoretical underpinnings in research about smart shaming explore the psychological and sociological impacts of public shaming and its role in behavior correction within different cultural contexts, illustrated by an example from Bolivia where zebras were used to shame traffic violators.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theoretical underpinnings in research around the notion of smart shaming often address the psychological and sociological effects of using public shame as a means of social control or behavior correction. The act of shaming someone for their intellect or knowledge can be a complex social phenomenon that ties into aspects of power dynamics, cultural norms, and the consequences of public humiliation. Research into this area might explore how public shame affects individuals and communities, and under what circumstances it can be considered harmful or beneficial. One historical example of the use of public shame is an experiment conducted in Bolivia where traffic monitors donned zebra costumes to publicly shame irresponsible drivers to improve pedestrian safety. This case, and others like it, demonstrate that public shame can be a potent tool with varying degrees of acceptance and effectiveness depending on the cultural context.