Dr Zuleyka Zevallos

Who can joke about marginalisation & trauma without causing harm? The #sociology of humour is useful in unpacking relations of power Humour plays on social observation, taboos & stereotypes to elicit laughter & reflection. Yet what's considered *funny* is culturally situated. 1/

Sociologist Giselinde Kuipers' work shows the many functions of humour. Cultures sometimes demand obligatory joking to release stress (e.g. during tense social interactions) or through rituals (e.g. carnivale) or specific roles (e.g. clowns) Jokes also enforce social control

A form of 'humour' is ridicule. It exists across cultures (working differently in different contexts) to 'correct' social transgressions. Sometimes, to remind people they've broken a social norm. Other times, to put people back in their place. Laughter reflects social hierarchies

One study shows that during hospital meetings, staff 'laugh down': doctors can openly joke about residents; residents about themselves and nurses; nurses about themselves and patients. Not that they should, but it's manifestation of status: who is 'allowed' to 'make fun' of whom

Humour is also about creating & maintaining social cohesion. A follow-up study of patients show that in more egalitarian settings with high trust, 'jokes' between patients and other hospital staff are more free flowing, but centred on their shared experience. Not 'laughing down'