Disparagement humor: A theoretical and empirical review of psychoanalytic, superiority, and social identity theories
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Mark A. Ferguson
Abstract
This research reviews the empirical and theoretical literature on disparagement humor and amusement. In particular, we ask, “Why is disparagement humor funny?” Three theoretical frameworks provide responses to this question: psychoanalytic theory, superiority theories, and social identity theory. Each framework suggests a distinct psychological mechanism that fosters amusement upon exposure to disparagement humor. The review presents the central theoretical propositions from each framework and assesses their empirical support. Based on this review, we suggest that social identity theory offers a promising new avenue for disparagement humor research. The review concludes by offering future research directions.
© 2008 by Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co. KG, D-10785 Berlin
Articles in the same Issue
- Detecting semiotically-expressed humor in diasporic TV productions
- Send in the clowns: The role of the joker in three New Zealand IT companies
- Disparagement humor: A theoretical and empirical review of psychoanalytic, superiority, and social identity theories
- Alienation: A laughing matter
- Expectations and perceived humor
- Marina Mizzau: Ridendo e Scherzando: La Barzelletta Come Racconto [Laughing and joking: The joke as a narrative]
Articles in the same Issue
- Detecting semiotically-expressed humor in diasporic TV productions
- Send in the clowns: The role of the joker in three New Zealand IT companies
- Disparagement humor: A theoretical and empirical review of psychoanalytic, superiority, and social identity theories
- Alienation: A laughing matter
- Expectations and perceived humor
- Marina Mizzau: Ridendo e Scherzando: La Barzelletta Come Racconto [Laughing and joking: The joke as a narrative]
