Taking humor seriously.

Abstract

Reality. What a concept! --Robin Williams Do you laugh when reading Social Work? I don't. Social Work is not a funny publication. In fact, is rare in the social work literature. For example, I could not find the word humor in the indexes of the three-volume Encyclopedia of Social Work, the recent supplement the Encyclopedia, or the Social Work Almanac. I can think of at least three explanations for this situation. Social work--the profession and the journal--deals with weighty and often depressing topics: human suffering, social exclusion, oppression, and pain. Not much laugh about on that list. Another explanation might be that social workers learn to eliminate all levity from practice (van Wormer & Boes, 1997, p. 91). Social work is serious business, and risks making light of someone else's troubles or pain. Finally, Social Work is an important, scholarly publication, and jocularity seems irreverent and unsophisticated. Serious topics require serious discourse--no laughing allowed/aloud. Should Social Work be a laugh-free zone? I don't think so. Although has often been disparaged as a topic of serious scholarship, recently it seems be making a comeback. Several scholarly books on the topic have appeared in recent years, and academic conferences on have been held. In one of the few articles on appear in the social work literature, Siporin (1984) observed that social workers are not often seen as funny and, in contrast, are often the targets of jokes, for example, the caricatures of the do-gooder or snooping moralist. Siporin saw social workers' lack of as a function of the profession's status, its lofty, idealistic standards; its identification with the downtrodden; and the insecure, self-effacing qualities of many social workers. Learning express and appreciate would, according Siporin, have positive benefits for social workers and the profession. Humor is a creative act that helps transform pain and deviance into constructive growth, for clients as well as for oneself. To laugh is not only last, hut have fun, grow, be free and human, celebrate one's own life with the fellow members of one's community. (p. 464) The benefits of health and well-being are widely acknowledged. Humor seems strengthen the immune system and act as a buffer against stress. Laughter--the outcome of humor--is a social lubricant. People are attracted others who can appreciate and express humor. Epstein (1987) advised social work research faculty seek such people: colleagues are worth cultivating whether or not you like their work. Funny students are be cherished (p. 88). Many social work practitioners and educators are aware of the value of in their work. For example, when used appropriately can defuse a crisis situation (for example, Pollio, 1995) or enliven an otherwise boring lecture. Humor is an important resource. People who can laugh about themselves or their situations retain a perspective that facilitates adaptive action. Maintaining a comic vision retains a sense of control and keeps us from being overwhelmed by stressful events. Humor depends on contradiction and surprise. If life can be funny there is hope. I have marveled at the ability of some people sustain a sense of despite difficult circumstances. These people refuse let their condition or situation define their life. Their strength and resilience almost always impress those of us lucky enough know or work with such people. Social Functions of Humor Beyond humor's important personal and therapeutic benefits, its role in the lives of disadvantaged groups and its iconoclastic function in society give it a special connection social work. Throughout history has provided a safe way for marginalized people criticize oppressive social orders. …