"Bringing together a number of specialist disciplines, such as archaeology, history, anthropology, disability studies, mental health and psychiatry, this work provides a new perspective on social and physical exclusion from society. A range of evidence throws light on the causes and consequences of social exclusion, stigma, marginality, dangerousness and ritual power of the 'other' in society. Also discussed are the emotional and intellectual effects of social and/or physical exclusion on those who are subjected to it in contemporary society."

"This is a study that breaks down traditional academic disciplinary boundaries by adopting a comparative perspective and time dimension. This will be an essential reference for archaeologists and anthropologists alike as they seek to understand social exclusion in the past and the present. It will also be extremely useful to those who work with people classified as mentally ill or disabled in today's society."--Jacket.