A Sense of Humor

Abstract

Each major behavior science has a variety of distinct perspectives on our species' capacity for humor. Some psychological, sociological, and anthropological approaches are explained in this article. No theory accounting for or method of studying humor has gained a plurality of adherents in any of these disciplines. This article presents a social psychological analysis, emphasizing the interpersonal and intergroup functions of humor production, expression, and appreciation, with particular attention to gender-based socialization of language and its individual and social consequences. Historical and contemporary examples of women in humor are discussed, in addition to implications of feminist humor for future relations between women and men.