‘Margaret Atwood, the Canadian novelist, once asked a group of women at a university why they felt threatened by men. The women said they were afraid of being beaten, raped or killed by men. She then asked a group of men why they felt threatened by women. They said they
were afraid women would laugh at them.’ (Bing:357)
The subject chosen for this independent research project is the body of knowledge and practice in British humour. I will discuss the major processes of intellectual and artistic trends that have shaped the complex dynamics between gender, humour and the sociopolitical
representation of women. My purpose is to unearth and trace how ‘humour’ - a formerly male and misogynist domain – was influenced by women and how it transformed into an area for feminist intervention.
Table of Contents
- I. Arts and Comedy - A men's club
- A history of hostility
- The etiquette of laughter and the danger of wit
- Misogyny and reluctance
- II. Theorizing women's humour in history and context
- Women's 'noncompromise with the world'
Objectives and Key Themes
This research project investigates the representation of women in British humor, exploring how a traditionally male-dominated field was influenced by and transformed through feminist intervention. The study traces the evolution of female comedic voices, from music halls to alternative comedy and mainstream media, examining the strategies employed by women to challenge sexist norms and create spaces for female humor.
- The historical marginalization of women in comedy and the underlying misogynistic attitudes.
- The development of feminist critiques and resistance strategies within the comedic landscape.
- The evolution of female comedic styles and their relationship to broader societal expectations of femininity.
- The impact of feminist theorizing on the understanding and practice of humor.
- The creation and significance of "women-only" comedic spaces.
Chapter Summaries
I. Arts and Comedy - A men's club: This chapter delves into the historical hostility towards women in comedy, a field long dominated by men. It examines the deeply ingrained sexism within the art form, tracing its presence from ancient Greek comedies to more recent examples. The chapter highlights how women were predominantly relegated to the role of the butt of the joke, reflecting a power dynamic where laughter is used to marginalize and control. It explores the connection between societal expectations of femininity and the perceived incompatibility between humor and emphasized femininity, showcasing how women were often discouraged from expressing wit or humor publicly for fear of being labeled promiscuous or unfeminine. The chapter lays the groundwork for understanding the challenges faced by women in the comedic world and the political implications of their humorous expression.
II. Theorizing women's humour in history and context: This chapter examines the theoretical underpinnings of women's humor, highlighting its divergence from the traditional, male-dominated understanding of humor as stemming from a position of superiority. It discusses how the marginalization of women in comedy led to the development of alternative, subversive forms of humor, often involving the mocking of established masculine norms. The recurring theme of control and surveillance over female laughter is explored, showcasing how societal pressure shaped the development of female-feminist humor in terms of style, content, and function. This chapter connects the historical context of oppression with the innovative strategies employed by women comedians and theorists to challenge patriarchal structures within the comedic world. The concept of women's 'noncompromise with the world' is introduced as a central theme, demonstrating the underlying resistance woven into female comedic expression.
Keywords
Feminist humor, British comedy, gender representation, misogyny, female comedians, alternative comedy, feminist theory, comedic styles, societal expectations, power dynamics, subversive humor, marginalization, resistance strategies.
FAQ: A Research Project on Women in British Humor
What is the main topic of this research project?
This research project investigates the representation of women in British humor, exploring how a traditionally male-dominated field was influenced by and transformed through feminist intervention. It traces the evolution of female comedic voices across different platforms, examining strategies used to challenge sexist norms and create spaces for female humor.
What are the key themes explored in this research?
Key themes include the historical marginalization of women in comedy and the underlying misogynistic attitudes; the development of feminist critiques and resistance strategies; the evolution of female comedic styles and their relationship to societal expectations of femininity; the impact of feminist theorizing on humor; and the creation and significance of "women-only" comedic spaces.
What are the chapter summaries?
Chapter I: Arts and Comedy - A men's club explores historical hostility towards women in comedy, examining ingrained sexism and how women were often relegated to being the butt of the joke. It connects societal expectations of femininity with the perceived incompatibility between humor and emphasized femininity.
Chapter II: Theorizing women's humor in history and context examines the theoretical underpinnings of women's humor, highlighting its divergence from the male-dominated understanding. It discusses the development of alternative, subversive forms of humor and explores the recurring theme of control and surveillance over female laughter. The concept of women's 'noncompromise with the world' is introduced as a central theme.
What are the objectives of this research?
The research aims to understand the historical marginalization of women in comedy, analyze the development of feminist responses within the comedic landscape, examine the evolution of female comedic styles, explore the impact of feminist theory on humor, and investigate the creation and importance of women-only comedic spaces.
What are the key words associated with this research?
Keywords include Feminist humor, British comedy, gender representation, misogyny, female comedians, alternative comedy, feminist theory, comedic styles, societal expectations, power dynamics, subversive humor, marginalization, and resistance strategies.
What is included in this language preview?
This preview provides a comprehensive overview, including the title, table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and key words.
What is the scope of the historical overview of women in comedy?
The historical overview spans from ancient Greek comedies to more recent examples, tracing the evolution of how women were represented and the challenges they faced in a male-dominated field.
How does this research connect historical context with comedic strategies?
The research connects the historical context of oppression with the innovative strategies employed by women comedians and theorists to challenge patriarchal structures within the comedic world.
- Quote paper
- Zuzanna Szutenberg (Author), 2012, Humor and Feminism - A research into the whereabouts of British comediennes, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/202023
