Adolescent rules for social exclusion: when is it fair to exclude someone else?

Abstract

This study identified and described adolescents' exclusion rules and how they were related to their real world exclusionary behaviours. Adolescents (N = 682) were asked to provide (a) an account and rationale for excluding a peer who wanted to join their group; and (b) general rules for when exclusion was fair. A content analysis of the narratives suggested seven rejection rules that were somewhat consistent with adolescents' reported acts of social exclusion: (a) unattractive; (b) punishment; (c) dangerous; (d) group loyalty; (e) benevolent protection; (f) unqualified; and (g) never. The data demonstrated that adolescent peer groups provide fertile soil for cultivating and performing moral exclusion. Both theoretical and applied implications of the findings are discussed.

Acknowledgement

The data in this paper are part of a larger study by the authors on social exclusion in peer groups. We are grateful to the 682 adolescent participants who generously shared their personal experiences.