Dr Zuleyka Zevallos

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'

'Laughter and humor are indeed like an invitation, be it an invitation for dinner, or an invitation to start a conversation: it aims at decreasing social distance' (Rose Laub Coser 1959). If that invitation is welcome (i.e. you're not laughing down) it's less likely to cause harm

Just as it fosters a sense of cohesion, humour also rests on exclusion. Some people get the joke because they belong (the joke is about and for 'us'). These three dynamics of humour (relief, control & cohesion) maintain the status quo. But what about challenging equilibrium?

Well, just with all other behaviours, jokes have intended and unintended consequences. Some jokes aim to be positive ('we belong!') others are used negatively ('you don't belong'). Sometimes bleak humour (e.g. jokes on disaster) can stray into positive or negative territory

#Sociology studies from 1940s onward show the use of humour 'from below.' E.g. during times of political conflict (e.g. Czech people under Nazi occupation) show that jokes mostly focus on morale boosts (ingroup cohesion) rather than 'laughing up' at those in power (the outgroup)