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Homework answers / question archive / What is ostracism? Ostracism is any act of banishing, shunning, ignoring, or excluding
Recent studies (Links to an external site.) have shown that the emotional impact of rejection and ostracism upon an individual can be devastating, especially if the form of ostracism used was severe and prolonged. Although the emotional wounds are not visible to the naked eye, they can be more painful and longer lasting than physical wounds. It is my hope that information provided in this assignment will help more people understand this pervasive social phenomenon, and provide relief for people suffering from severe ostracism.
Something to note: I am not against all forms of ostracism, although I dislike most forms. Most kinds of ostracism are hurtful and not recommended, as there are usually better ways to set boundaries and resolve conflicts. Occasionally, ostracism is necessary, such as removing oneself from a violent or life threatening situation. It is my hope that this assignment will help people make informed decisions about ostracism. As you become aware of ostracism's effects and other options available for resolving conflicts, hopefully it will save some friendships and relationships.
Answer the following questions... Copy, Paste and Answer Each Question. Submit questions with its appropriate answer within the assignment.
1. How does your textbook define ostracism?
I could not find a formal definition in the textbook; however, it does state that when we deviate from group norms or are consistent nonconformists, that a group will socially reject a person.
2. What caused Kip Williams Ph.D. to start this research?
He was in the park and played Frisbee with two strangers for a few minutes, however, they eventually stopped throwing him the Frisbee. He had a strong reaction to being left out and felt terrible. He thought that he would be able to do experiments with this type of concept.
3. What was one of the methods used to determine effects of ostracism by Dr. Kip Williams?
He used the hot sauce tasting with those who had been ostracized “feeding” their chosen amount to others. He was testing the level of aggression this way.
4. What are some ways people can be ostracized according to Kip Williams
One way is by their families and peers; not conforming to their ways. Another way is by their church, school or workplace ostracizing them.
5. What are the reactions observed from people who have been ostracized based on Dr. Williams' research?
They can have a feeling of loss and not belonging. Also, some experience sadness and anger from being excluded. There was also a decrease in self-esteem and sense of control over their environments. If the participants aren’t re-included into the game, they can become provocative and aggressive.
6. Is it easy to change the behavior of those who choose to ostracize others? What did Dr. Williams say?
It’s difficult to change the behavior of the person using it. He said that if you change the behavior of the person being ostracized then it could cascade down to the person doing the ostracizing.
7. Have you or someone you know been ostracized? If so, was behavior as described by Kip Williams?
Yes. I would call it painful; it hurts your self-esteem and feelings of belonging. It also does create a sadness. I would also say it does affect how you function socially as well.
8. How can one buffer the effects of ostracism according to Kip Williams?
According to him, it’s important for a person being ostracized to form a few good friendships to buffer the painful effects of ostracism. This helps because they can be a reminder that you do have people that are important in your life which allows you to cope.
9. Summarize the interview and post your comment(s) about ostracism with 10 or more complete sentences.
Kip Williams, Ph.D., takes on producing a laboratory experiment that looks at the effects of ostracism on behavior. He uses a game of ball to get reactions from people on feeling ostracized and then uses hot sauce tasting to measure effects. He then explains some of the effects, like sadness, decreased self-esteem and anger that can come from being ostracized from a group. Also, the ways people can be ostracized by their families, peers and social groups. He explains some of the real-life behaviors that people can display and some of the ways to counteract the effects of being ostracized. To me ostracism, for the most part, is a terrible thing to do. It can be really damaging to people. Just because someone doesn’t conform to a person’s standards, or ways of thinking and living, it doesn’t mean they have no value. The decision to isolate someone over derisory situations that do not warrant such a strong reaction doesn’t make sense to me.
