Ridicule, gender hegemony, and the disciplinary function of mainstream gender humour

Abedinifard, Mostafa

Ridicule, gender hegemony, and the disciplinary function of mainstream gender humour

Author

Abedinifard, Mostafa

Date

2016

Keywords

ridicule, gender humour

Abstract (summary)

This paper foregrounds the disciplinary power of ridicule, as a form or aspect of humour, vis-à-vis gender norms. While much theoretical and empirical research in gender studies recognizes the punitive function of gendered humour and/or ridicule, this function is given no theoretical significance. To resolve this tension, I integrate social psychologist Michael Billig's theory of ridicule as a universal reinforcer of the social order, along with the notion of gender order (as a particular type of social order) as outlined in masculinities theorist Raewyn Connell's gender hierarchy model. I contend that as a form of mainstream gender humour, ridicule serves as a tool for policing the gender order and creating self-regulating gendered subjects. The argument enables a rereading of mainstream gender humour, especially when it deploys ridicule to target non-hegemonic gendered subjectivities, practices, and performances. Such apparently banal humour, as I illustrate with examples of contemporary Anglo-American mainstream gender humour, speaks to and protects the fundamental elements of the gender order of the society and culture in which the humour circulates. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of the implications of the main argument for pro-gender democracy research and activism.

Publication Information

Mostafa, Abedinifard. "Ridicule, Gender Hegemony, and the Disciplinary Function of Mainstream Gender Humour." Social Semiotics, vol. 26, no. 3, 2016, pp. 234-249. Social Science & Humanities, doi: 10.1080/10350330.2015.1134817.