The importance of gossip across societies: correlations with institutionalization

Cross-Cultural Research • Vol/Iss. 49 • Published In 2015 • Pages: 297-314 •

By Demerath, Loren, Korotayev, Andrey V.

Abstract

This article investigates the theory that gossip, as a method of obtaining information and creating a meaningful social environment, increases in importance with society complexity. Forms of gossip in highly "modernized" societies, which are rare in the cross-cultural sample, are discussed. In addition, the authors explore associations between gender autonomy and the importance of gossip.

Samples
Sample Used	Coded Data	Comment
Standard Cross Cultural Sample (SCCS)	Other Researchers

Hypotheses (5)
Hypothesis	Supported
Gossip will be more important, rather than less important, in larger communities (298, 301).	Supported
Gossip will be more important in societies with more institutionalization (298, 303).	Supported
Gossip will be more important in societies with higher levels of stratification (298, 303).	Supported
Gossip will be more important in societies with higher levels of community loyalty (303).	Supported
Levels of gender autonomy, urbanization, and loyalty to wider society will all have significant effects on gossip importance (306-7).	Supported

Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: Tahlisa Brougham

The importance of gossip across societies: correlations with institutionalization

Cross-Cultural Research • Vol/Iss. 49 • Published In 2015 • Pages: 297-314 • Cite

By Demerath, Loren, Korotayev, Andrey V.

Abstract

Samples

Hypotheses (5)

Cross-Cultural Research • Vol/Iss. 49 • Published In 2015 • Pages: 297-314 •