One of his major observations: "We are social beings, and our world - no less than that of monkeys and apes - is cocooned in the interests and minutiae of everyday social life (Dunbar 4)." And how do we convey the minutiae of everyday social life? With gossip of course! His studies eventually came to show that humans developed language and gossip to keep up with family and friends and form intense relationships. This means that language and gossip formed as an alternative to grooming which had the same purpose. According to Dunbar, "It seems there is nothing idle about chatter, which holds together a diverse, dynamic group--whether of hunter-gatherers, soldiers, or workmates (Harvard University Press).".
Another method of holding together a diverse, dynamic group is through anthropology. But when taking a second look some may find that this is not truly another method. While anthropology is commonly defined as the study of man from its Greek derived words it can also be taken to a deeper level. "If one probes deeper into the Greek lexicon, anthropos and logos can also be glossed as "bearer of scandals or tales (Haviland/Gordon 1)." A bearer of scandals or tales can also be considered someone who gossips. This supports the idea that gossip is at least a major aspect of anthropology, if not the same concept. .
If one considers gossip as only an aspect of anthropology, one must also look at the functions of gossip in anthropology. Many anthropologists have their own personal view on its functions. Max Gluckman supports that gossip is "a culturally determined and sanctioned process, a social fact, with customary rules and important functions (Rapport 266)." Gluckman's theory is that gossip's "principle role is to maintain the unity of social groups: gossip provides a way of asserting the boundary between morally acceptable action and deviant behavior, and thus helps to solidify consensus and to control dissent without recourse to direct confrontation (Besnier 545).
GOSSIP Gossip, as defined by the Webster's New World Dictionary, is "one who chatters idly about others". I feel that gossiping is ethically wrong. ... Gossip is extensive in the newspaper industry. ... People gossip because they feel insecure with themselves and by gossiping, they are increasing their own self-esteem. Gossipers hurt themselves and others, therefore gossiping is ethically wrong. ...
Right Speech; This urges the practice of saying only that which is worth saying, encouraging conversation for the purpose of getting to know people and understanding them, but eschewing gossip, backbiting, idle chatter and all malicious talk. 4. ...
Buddhism is based on the beliefs of the Buddha, who set forth a new "religion" was different from the other world religions. It is a religion that was based on the in all lives there are four passing, and the Buddha's six rejections of Hinduism. It allows Buddhists to take refuge in the Buddha a...
