The Sociological Dimensions of Comedy and Humo1

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Kenyatta University *

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MISC

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Sociology

Date

Nov 24, 2024

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docx

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3

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The Sociological Dimensions of Comedy and Humor Introduction The proposal aims to explore the sociological dimensions of comedy and humor, with a primary focus on their roles in shaping and reflecting social norms, values, and power relations. Comedy and humor, in their various forms, are pervasive cultural phenomena that have long intrigued sociologists (Viana, 2017). While an opposing viewpoint to the assertion that comedy and humor significantly influence societal norms, values, and power dynamics argues that comedy is primarily a form of entertainment, divorced from its potential to drive social change or challenge established constructs. This proposal outlines the problem at hand, the purpose of the study, research questions, the significance of the study, and acknowledges the assumptions and limitations of the forthcoming research. The Problem Comedy and humor have always held a distinct position in society, providing a unique lens through which to view the complexities of human interaction and societal structures. While their entertainment value is widely recognized, their profound sociological implications remain underexplored (Ge & Gretzel, 2018). The central problem is the need to understand how comedy functions as a potent tool for both challenging and reinforcing established societal norms, values, and power dynamics. To address this problem, a comprehensive sociological analysis is warranted. Purpose of the Study The aim of this paper is to present a comprehensive sociological analysis of comedy and humor. It aims to illuminate how humor functions as a cultural mirror, reflecting and influencing the complex societal interactions and institutions. This analysis attempts to provide a greater
comprehension of the sociological foundations of comedy and humor and to stimulate critical debates about its consequences for modern society. Research Questions The following research questions remain underexplored. 1. In what ways do various manifestations of humour contribute to the reinforcement or subversion of societal norms and power dynamics? 2. What are the specific mechanisms through which humor intersects with race, gender, class, and sexuality? 3. How do controversies surrounding humor and free speech impact public discourse and societal values in the digital age? Significance of the Study This study holds significant value as it illuminates the multifaceted relationship between humor and society. By dissecting the sociological dimensions of comedy, it enables a profound understanding of how comedy functions as a societal force, capable of both challenging and perpetuating established norms. Moreover, by the investigation of previously unexplored research inquiries, this work enhances our understanding of the sociological aspects of humor, therefore providing valuable insights for informed discourse and policy deliberations pertaining to its significance in present-day society. Assumptions and Limitations Assumptions underlying this study include the recognition that comedy and humor are culturally significant phenomena with substantial societal impacts. Furthermore, it is assumed
that sociological theories and concepts can be effectively employed to analyze and interpret the phenomenon of humor. However, it is vital to acknowledge certain limitations. The nature of humor is essentially subjective, and as a result, individual interpretations might vary to a great degree. Moreover, given the expansive and dynamic characteristics of humor, it may seem impractical to thoroughly encompass all aspects of this field. Furthermore, it is important to acknowledge that the analysis may not fully consider the influence of regional and cultural differences on the perception and utilization of comedy. These limitations are acknowledged to maintain the study's rigor and scope. Davies, C. E. (2017). Sociolinguistic approaches to humor. The Routledge handbook of language and humor , 1 . Ge, J., & Gretzel, U. (2018). Impact of humour on firm-initiated social media conversations. Information Technology & Tourism , 18 (1-4), 61-83. Viana, A. (2017). Dualities in humor: Incongruity meets ridicule.
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