From Ostracism to "Cancel Culture": The Multi-Vector Evolution of Social Exclusion Practices in Historical Retrospect

Aim . Conduct a comprehensive historical and comparative analysis of the evolution of social exclusion practices from ancient ostracism to the modern "cancel culture," identify their common features, differences, as well as the tendency to expand into new areas. Methodology . The methodological basis of the study is historical-comparative and historical-genetic methods, supplemented by discourse analysis and an institutional approach. The body of sources is analyzed, including classical works on the history of antiquity, modern works on sociology, political science and psychology. Results . It has been proven that, despite the general psychological basis, practices of social exclusion have evolved from a legitimate state institution aimed at preserving the political system to an extra-institutional, ideologically charged tool used for reputational destruction, which is carried out by means of the digital environment. The mechanisms of this transformation and the expansion of the "cancel culture" into the spheres of culture, art, religion and international relations have been identified. Research implications. The work contributes to the development of historical comparative studies and to the integration of approaches of general history and the social sciences. The results of the study can be used to analyze modern sociocultural and political processes related to the digitalization of public life.