An examination of responses to ageist jokes

Abstract

Abstract Ageist humor is an everyday way that negative social attitudes (i.e., ageism) are circulated. Advances in the study of disparagement humor (prejudiced norm theory, the justification-suppression model) were utilized to examine responses to ageist humor in two studies. Study 1, comparing ageist and sexist comments, found no differences in perceived funniness between statements and jokes, though jokes were seen as less offensive and more confrontation-worthy. Participants believed they would be more offended by the statements than others. To the extent they found statements funny, participants believed the messages conveyed less offense to self and others, and that the statements were not worthy of confrontation, but thought others would believe they were. Older individuals found statements less funny and believed others would have negative reactions. Study 2 found no differences in funniness ratings for jokes targeting older and younger age groups. Two responses to the joke-teller emerged: challenge (including direct and indirect responses) and support (laughing or verbally expressing joke funniness). Funniness and joke-teller identification positively predicted both challenge and support, while experiencing negative emotion predicted more challenge and less support. Once again, age was associated with less funniness, as well as less identification, support, and challenge, but more negative emotion.