In ten pages this paper considers how gossip can be used as a prevention of violent conflict through social control in a discussion of its role and group process. Ten sources are cited in the bibliography.
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these are related through views of social control. Gossip, for example, is a factor that influences group and individuals processes and can alter actions, determining the designation of gossip
as a form of social control. In understanding the role of gossip as a form of social control, it is beneficial to consider a specific example in which gossip
determines alternations in individual or group actions. Gossip has been viewed as a culturally significant component of spoken language that can influence behaviors and shape social norms, expectations
and personal perspectives. As a result, it is beneficial to consider how gossip acts as a form of social control in preventing the demonstration of interpersonal or social conflict,
especially violent conflict. Groups and Gossip Social theorists argue that gossip accounts for a large portion of spoken language, which benefits both groups, by supporting social norms,
and by determining a separation between rivals (Wilson, 2001). Gossip can change group perspectives, alter individual behaviors and has been recognized as a mechanism of social control (Wilson, 2001).
Central to defining the influence of gossip is the recognition of the impacts of human behaviors, interactions and functions on group process and collective decision-making. As a result,
considering the nature of gossip and the impacts on group process requires an understanding of collective behaviors, directives and initiatives. The impact of gossip on group process is linked to
what has been described as "social interdependence theory." Johnson, Johnson, and Smith (1998) described social interdependence theory in the following manner: "Social interdependence theory assumes that cooperative efforts are
based on intrinsic motivation generated by interpersonal factors and a joint aspiration to achieve a significant goal. Behavioral learning theory assumes that cooperative efforts are powered by extrinsic motivation to