Gossip in sheltered housing: Its cultural importance and social implications

Percival, John (2000). Gossip in sheltered housing: Its cultural importance and social implications. Ageing and Society, 20(3) pp. 303–325.

DOI (Digital Object Identifier) Link:	https://doi.org/10.1017/S0144686X0000773X
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Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to present a descriptive account and analysis of ethnographic research which focuses on gossip as an important social interaction between older people in sheltered housing. Analysis reveals that gossip plays a prominent role in the daily life of older people in the schemes studied, reinforcing social norms and values that assume great significance in a close-knit, predominantly female environment. Conclusions are drawn that while gossip may serve a useful social purpose in sheltered housing, it may also have important and paradoxical consequences for the individual. In particular, gossip is understood to be a form of interaction that encourages the individual to strike a balance between their personal and social needs in this communal setting.

Item Type:	Journal Item
Copyright Holders:	2000 Cambridge University Press
ISSN:	1469-1779
Academic Unit/School:	Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies (WELS) > Health, Wellbeing and Social Care Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies (WELS)
Item ID:	19951
Depositing User:	Katy Gagg
Date Deposited:	16 Feb 2010 14:28
Last Modified:	04 Oct 2016 10:33
URI:	http://oro.open.ac.uk/id/eprint/19951
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