ostracising

Ostracising is a form of social exclusion where an individual or group is deliberately shut out from a community or social circle. This exclusion can manifest in various ways, including being ignored, denied participation in activities, or having communication deliberately avoided. The term originates from ancient Athens, where citizens could vote to banish a person from the city-state for a period of ten years. This practice, known as ostracism, was a political tool to prevent individuals from becoming too powerful or destabilizing the democracy.

In contemporary society, ostracising is a more informal but often deeply impactful phenomenon. It can occur in families, workplaces, schools, and among friends. The reasons for ostracism can be diverse, ranging from perceived differences in beliefs or behaviors to social dynamics like bullying or the desire to maintain group cohesion by excluding perceived outsiders. The effects on the ostracised individual can be severe, leading to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, depression, and a diminished sense of self-worth. The act of ostracising, while often unspoken, can be a powerful mechanism for social control and can reinforce norms within a group.