Interesting topic, and Aude Sapere, thanks for some great thoughts.
...Seriously does it make life easier for them or something?
I was never a jw, but grew up in a family where one parent "shunned" whoever was under displeasure. This meant you were ignored at mealtimes, you could get a box on the ear for not saying "good morning", but would be ignored if you did say it. All of us kids learned the importance of being in favour quickly and early. If that meant shunning a brother or sister, rather them than me. . .
Don't think that it was ever right according to my conscience. But someone insecure enough doesn't trust their own conscience over an authority figure, and/or the need to belong.
What would make them change?
Growing up and being in different environments made me change. It doesn't seem to work for everyone at the same pace.
And most importantly when is it right to shun or is it really right at all?
I cannot think of any circumstances where shunning is the best solution. Even when pushed for time and faced with a bore, there are more courteous ways of handling the situation.
There's also an element of self-distrust, or self-dislike, externalised: "I may not be all that good, but s/he's worse!"
Retro