Gossip and conflicts as socialization practices among doormen in their work relationships within a residential building

Abstract The aim of this article is to analyze the socialization practices of doormen in their work relationships in a residential building. The notion of sociability by George Simmel is adopted to investigate the practices. Observations and interviews were conducted with the doormen of a residential building in Maringá, Paraná. This research highlighted the dynamics related to the work of older doormen in residential buildings, emphasizing the role of socialization practices, through gossip and conflicts, in the organization of work routines. It is identified that gossip serves to optimize and balance the work of the doormen. The conflicts demonstrate the present ageism and the precarious economic situation in which older doormen, in addition to formal work, need to perform extra services for their livelihoods. These results lead to the theoretical contribution that lies in revealing the practices of socialization, gossip, and conflicts as mechanisms of sociability in work relationships.