Date of Publication

4-2019

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Linguistics

Subject Categories

Language and Literacy Education | Social and Behavioral Sciences

College

Br. Andrew Gonzalez FSC College of Education

Department/Unit

English and Applied Linguistics

Thesis Adviser

Jose Cristina M. Pariña

Defense Panel Chair

Leah E. Gustilo

Defense Panel Member

Eden R. Flores
Rochelle Irene G. Lucas
Jennifer Tan-De Ramos
Junifer A. Abatayo

Abstract/Summary

Guided by the idea that gender is a cultural phenomenon (i.e., Maltz & Borker, 1982), gender as power (i.e., Henley & Kramarae, 1991; Henley & LaFrance, 1984) and of the leading humor theories (i.e., Eysenck’s tripartite humor model – affective, cognitive and conative – that subsumes Superiority, Relief and Incongruity Theories), the present quantitative-qualitative study utilized dynamic sociological approach to analyze and describe how humor is gendered among 240 (equal distribution of male, female, gay and lesbian) middle-class Tagalog university students, ages 18 to 25 years old. The participants answered the questionnaires on the following dimensions of sense of humor: humor styles, humor perceptions (i.e., appreciation, comprehension, offensiveness), humor target, humor production and reproduction, and humor competence. Thirty-two participants (equal gender distribution), from the original 240 participants, also worked on a 21-day humor journal, watched and rated the video-clips of stand-up comedy performances of four comedians, each representing a specific gender, and participated in a semi-structured interview. Participants’ dimensions of sense of humor were described, compared and contrasted among genders to illustrate how humor as a discourse mode enables individuals to celebrate their values, perspectives and multi-faceted experiences inclusive of their societal, cultural and personal roles. A framework for analyzing the humor types, humor subjects, humor targets and humor structures on the participants’ produced, perceived and reproduced humor scripts was also developed and used in the study. Associations between gender and dimensions of sense of humor, and relationships among the dimensions were also explored. The study ended with a comprehensive description on how the dimensions of sense of humor across gender groups have become related and distinct from each other, which was illustrated through The Gendered Humor’s Model. Results pose a challenge to curriculum planners in the tertiary education and to gendered humor scholars as well. Implications to gender and development were also raised.

Abstract Format

html

Note

Library's copy imperfect; pages 178 to 400+ missing

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Accession Number

CDTG007992

Keywords

Wit and humor—Sex differences—Philippines

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Embargo Period

1-24-2023

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