Disparagement Humor in Social Life: Competition vs. Subjugation

Nathan Miczo's book explores how humor operates at different levels of identity, critiquing the superiority theory of disparagement humor and proposing a view that groups use it to pursue rival goals. It offers insights into the multifunctional utility of humor in social life, with examples drawn from communication, psychology, and anthropology.

Format: Hardback
Length: 186 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

Humor, as explored in the book by Nathan Miczo, operates on multiple levels of identity, delving into the intricate interplay between within- and between-group dynamics in shaping the creation and reception of disparagement humor. While positive forms of humor emerge in interpersonal contexts, negative forms reflect the activation of group-based, communal identities. Building upon this dual sociality perspective, Miczo challenges the prevailing superiority theory of disparagement humor, which is rooted in Hobbes's definition of laughter and associated with his notion of a "war of all against all." Instead, Miczo proposes the agōn (Greek for contest) as a replacement metaphor, suggesting that groups utilize disparagement humor to pursue rival goals. This novel approach sheds light on the multifunctional utility of humor in social life, offering an in-depth analysis of examples of naturally occurring interactions drawn from studies in communication, psychology, and anthropology. Scholars specializing in humor studies, communication, and anthropology will find this book particularly insightful and valuable.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666901122