ostracism

n. Ostracism is being ignored and excluded. The word ostracism derives from the Greeks, who used shards of clay (ostraka) to vote to exile members of their community, but the practice of ostracism appears to have been used since the appearance of social animals. Ostracism allows the group to remain strong and safe, either by permitting exclusion of burdensome members or by motivating ostracized individuals to correct their undesirable behaviors. Ostracism can be observed in all human enterprises, from ordinances passed down by the government to interpersonal ostracism in the home (“the silent treatment”). The impact of ostracism is initially painful and distressing. Then individuals are motivated to cope with the pain and the threat to their sense of belonging, self-esteem, control, and meaningful existence. Concerns for belonging and self-esteem lead to behaviors that garner favor from others; concerns for control and existence can result in antisocial and aggressive acts. – KDW