OK here's a really oldie's experience concerning shunning:
I don't even remember that word coming up in the 50's or 60's.I left in the 70's.
If a family member had left the JW religion..they could still associate with them but not talk about religion.If they were interested in coming back the disfellowshipped one had to approach an Elder.If they were just not coming to meetings etc. they were to be avoided but encouraged to come back.
We did have "Bad associations" but the only consequence would be that we would lose our spirituality. (And fall away from the "Truth)
Now I understand your relatives can't have anything to do with you if you are disfellowshipped? Is that so old people will leave the WTBTS their money instead of their disfellowshipped or "Fallen away " children? Makes sense to me..I think that is their primary goal anyway. To make "Someone" rich! They are always changing the rules to suit their purpose.
If you read the bible you can find a scripture to back up anything you want to present as a "God's law".
Think about it....................................
Snoozy...