The Debrief The Function of Gossip in Configuring Pro-Social Relationships

Abstract

This project presents the familiar story of a new relationship via the lens of the gossip that fuelled it and investigates the function of gossip within female student friendships. It proposes ‘the debrief’ as a term under which to categorise different gossip-based events contrasting ‘urgent’, ‘formal’, and ‘moving’, debriefs. It argues that gossip functions to transmit both the content of an event and information about the gossip-teller. This information sharing facilitates social bonding and maintains established bonds. For participants, the debrief carried multiple functions: an opportunity for collective problem solving, an outlet for emotional expression, a diversion away from unproductive conflict, and a pleasurable experience within with to romanticise storytelling amongst friends. The project ultimately argues that the debrief is a highly functional occurrence more frequently structured with a positive outlook as opposed to circulating negative content.