Spatializing gossip as chaotic and multiple liminal space

Liu, Yihan and Fan, Ziyun (2023) Spatializing gossip as chaotic and multiple liminal space. Human Relations, 76 (11). pp. 1714-1738. ISSN 0018-7267

Preview	Text (Final published version) liu-fan-2022-spatializing-gossip-as-chaotic-and-multiple-liminal-space.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution 4.0. Download (202kB) | Preview
Preview	Text Spatializing gossip as chaotic and multiple liminal space.pdf - Accepted Version Download (403kB) | Preview
Preview	Text (Advance online version) 00187267221112230.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution 4.0. Download (201kB) | Preview

Abstract

How do we understand gossip as spatialization processes? How can we address such processes through liminal space? In this paper, we challenge the trap of social determinism in understanding gossip and argue that gossip should be conceptualized through the mutual constitution and contestations between social relations and space. We draw on a three-month participant observation case study to explore such interactive processes and relations through the lens of liminal space. This paper contributes to the existing literature on gossip by addressing the overlooked importance of ‘space’ in theorizing and understanding gossip. We emphasize that space acts as a localized context for and an active participant in enabling or constraining social interactions for gossip. In doing so, we explore the theoretical potential and empirical possibility of theory blending of liminal space and gossip that can shed light on future research on unmanaged and marginalized social practices in organizations.

Actions (login required)

View Item

Downloads