Jokes, humour, and society: The South African case

Abstract

Sociologists in South Africa have paid only marginal attention to the empirical and theoretical examination of jokes, humour, and laughter. This article explores several theoretical and factual phenomena related to this topic as they are manifested within the South African social milieu. The article explores three major categories of jokes, humour, and laughter in South Africa, that is those related to social class, racial/ethnic groups, and politics. It is concluded that different groups and individuals laugh under different circumstances, and respond to varying jokes and humour. Different social circumstances and realities which confront them daily, are considered to be the reasons for this. S. Mr. J. Sociol 1985, 16(3): 111–116