Conflict and Control Functions of Humor

Abstract

Sociological analysis of humor has focused primarily upon its control and conflict functions. Such studies have been concerned principally with race and ethnic differences. However, an analysis of jokes concerning social and economic differences as revealed by anthologies of wit and humor demonstrate that their primary function is not conflict. On the contrary, such jokes function as control mechanisms expressing the common value system and minimizing the notion of class or status conflict and consciousness.

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