Gendering Jokes

Abstract

Based on social identity theory, this study tests whether individuals demonstrate out-group rejection by rating jokes targeting the opposite gender funnier and more gender typical than jokes targeting their gender. Prior research is extended by examining individuals’ level of gender identification and propensity to discriminate against a hypothetical man or woman after exposure to sexist jokes. Results indicated that women exhibited in-group rejection, whereas men showed bias toward women only in the 1-joke (vs. 5- and 10-joke) condition. Men and women with low gender identification rated jokes about their gender funnier and more gender typical than those about the opposite gender, and highly identified women also rated jokes about women as gender typical. The findings did not support the basic assumptions of social identity theory; however, the theory remained useful in interpreting the results, which undoubtedly reflect the intergroup dynamics inherent in gender relations.