Ostracism : the power of silence

Abstract

"Ostracism is among the most powerful means of social influence. From schoolroom time-outs or the "silent treatment" from a family member or friend, to governmental acts of banishment or exile, ostracism is practiced in many contexts, by individuals and groups. This illuminating book provides a comprehensive examination of this pervasive phenomenon, exploring the short- and long-term consequences for targets as well as the functions served for those who exclude or ignore. Kipling D. Williams offers a new perspective on a crucial aspect of human experience. He also presents an exemplary model for programmatic and multimethod research."1. Ostracism: Ubiquitous and Powerful -- 2. Forty Years of Solitude: Cases of Ostracism -- 3. A Model of Ostracism -- 4. Forty Minutes of Silence: Narratives of Short-Term Episodes of the Silent Treatment -- 5. The Scarlet Letter Study: Five Days of Ostracism -- 6. Laboratory Experiments: The Ball-Tossing Paradigm -- 7. More Laboratory Experiments: The Train Ride -- 8. Cyberostracism: Getting Silenced on the Internet -- 9. Ostracism in and by Organizations -- 10. Everyday Ostracism over Days, Months, and Years -- 11. Reflections and Future Aims.282 page(s