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This article explores the social functions of gossip and scandal, differentiating between them based on their relationship to social norms and moral values. Gluckman argues that gossip, while often seen as frivolous, plays a crucial role in maintaining social cohesion by reinforcing shared values and norms within smaller social groups. Scandal, on the other hand, arises when the transgression of these norms becomes public and threatens the wider social order. He examines how both gossip and scandal operate as mechanisms of social control, influencing individual behavior and shaping public opinion. Drawing on anthropological examples, particularly from African societies, Gluckman demonstrates how these seemingly informal communication processes contribute to the ongoing negotiation and reaffirmation of social boundaries and moral standards.

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