Stand-up Comedy and Contemporary Feminisms: Sexism, Stereotypes and Structural Inequalities

The book explores the barriers to women's participation in live comedy and how these barriers are maintained in the digital era. It analyzes examples of stand-up performed by contemporary comedians and questions how these performances relate to conceptions of feminist and postfeminist humor.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 27 July 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

In her book, Ellie Tomsett delves into the intricate dynamics of women's participation in live comedy, exploring the enduring barriers that hinder their involvement in this comedic genre. Through a comprehensive examination of the historical roots of stand-up comedy, Tomsett sheds light on how these origins continue to shape the current landscape of live comedy production. Moreover, she delves into the contemporary stand-up scene, highlighting how it perpetuates societal stereotypes about the capabilities of women.

To accomplish this, Tomsett employs a robust methodology, utilizing primary data collected from women-only comedy nights and immersive research with the UK Women in Comedy Festival in Manchester. By analyzing examples of stand-up performed by contemporary comedians, including Bridget Christie, Luisa Omielan, Lolly Adefope, and Gráinne Maguire, Tomsett poses thought-provoking questions about how these performances align with conceptions of feminist and postfeminist humor, as well as notions of backlash against contemporary feminisms.

Furthermore, Tomsett's book specifically focuses on live comedy that explicitly addresses feminist themes, delving into how social attitudes towards women, the increasing visibility of female labor outside the home, and the emergence of diverse feminisms have influenced the comedic output of women comedians in 21st-century Britain. Through her insightful analysis, Tomsett provides a compelling account of the challenges and opportunities faced by women in the world of live comedy, offering valuable insights into the ongoing struggle for gender equality in the entertainment industry.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350302280