Three case histories concerning difficulties in the social dimension of mainstream inclusion were reviewed retrospectively. For two of the pupils, one of whom had a disfigurement, nothing seemed to help. For the third, who also had a disfigurement, things were resolved more readily than expected. Importantly, in the successful and unsuccessful…

The literature suggests that ostracism coerces conformity to group norms: It maintains the stability, cohesion and safety of the group, and therefore helps maintain the smooth functioning of a group. To this end, a wide range of punishing behaviours may first be employed but if these are not successful, the individual may be permanently excluded.…