Disparagement Humor in Social Life: Competition vs. Subjugation

(Hardback)

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In this book, Nathan Miczo demonstrates that humor operates at different levels of identity, exploring how within- and between-group dynamics shape the creation and reception of disparagement humor. While positive forms of humor arise in interpersonal settings, negative forms reflect the activation of group-based, communal identities. Building on this dual sociality view, Miczo critiques the superiority theory of disparagement humor, rooted in Hobbess definition of laughter, and tied to his notion of a war of all against all. Miczo employs the agn (Greek for contest) to replace the Hobbesian metaphor with a view that groups use disparagement humor to pursue rival goals. This perspective forwards the multifunctional utility of humor in social life, analyzing examples of naturally occurring interaction drawn from studies in Communication, Psychology, and Anthropology. Scholars of humor studies, communication, and anthropology, will find this book of particular interest.

Reviews

"Disparagement Humor in Social Life is a significant work not only because of its insights, but also because of its timing. We are living in a politically polarized America in which half of the country is using the leveling humor of inclusion (be informative; don't give more information than is required; don't lie or mislead; don't make statements unless there is adequate evidence; be relevant; avoid obscurity; avoid ambiguity; be succinct; and be orderly). The other half of America is using the hierarchical language of superiority, disparagement, ridicule, and exclusion, violating all of the principles above."

--- Don L.F. Nilsen, ASU Emeritus College

"What is the place (if any) of disparagement humor in our politically polarized society Nathan Miczo explores this question in a fascinating way in his book. An author so well-versed in humor research provides valuable insights as to how such humor, far from serving to further divide us, may help us live and work together in our varied social groups."

Author Bio

Nathan Miczo is professor of communication in the Department of Communication at Western Illinois University.