Quote:
Originally Posted by Refplace
Usually shunning is done by the powerful against those without power.
If thats thecase I would make being shunned a Social Stigma.
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Ostracism certainly was not. It was specifically designed to emasculate power. In fact I don't think it would qualify as shunning at all. I can't recall any social consequences for associating with an ostracized person, albeit politically that would put him in danger of suspicion of conspiracy.
As for shunning being done by the powerful against those without power in general, I am not sure that holds water. There is the old trope about certain occupations being pariahs to those to profit by them (executioners, prostitutes, garbage collectors to name a few). Counter to that is the fact that in many cases no one cares what the great unwashed do-that is why they are the great unwashed. Whereas there are many things that can get a powerful person "coventrated". Running away in battle, or cheating at cards for instance.