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Being the butt of the joke: Homophobic humour, male identity, and its connection to emotional and physical violence for men.
- Source :
- Health Sociology Review; Dec2010, Vol. 19 Issue 4, p505-521, 17p
- Publication Year :
- 2010
-
Abstract
- This qualitative study into Australian manhood featured 63 men discussing 'acceptable' masculinity. Homophobic humour emerged as central to the formation of Australian male identity, but it had the potential to induce violence and emotional damage when the 'humour' moved along a malleable continuum from good-natured banter to abuse. Significantly, it was men of all sexualities who were targeted, indicating that it was non-conformity to gender norms as well as sexuality being policed, as boys and men used humour to control and humiliate each other. Recollections of these instances ranged from 'it was just a joke' for some perpetrators, to 'orchestrated cruelty' for men who had been victimised. Some of the latter group reported depression extending into their adult lives based on their youthful experiences. Understanding the impact when humour goes 'beyond a joke' is important for policy makers, educators and healthcare workers, as a potential for emotional damage and physical violence is highlighted. The study highlights the importance of understanding masculinity as an influence on men's health and wellness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- VICTIM psychology
ATTITUDE (Psychology)
BODY image
BULLYING
DISCOURSE analysis
FOCUS groups
GROUNDED theory
GROUP identity
HETEROSEXUALITY
HOMOPHOBIA
INVECTIVE
MEN
RESEARCH funding
HUMAN sexuality
GENDER role
SOCIAL control
SOCIAL skills
VIOLENCE
WIT & humor
QUALITATIVE research
SECONDARY analysis
THEMATIC analysis
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 14461242
- Volume :
- 19
- Issue :
- 4
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Health Sociology Review
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 58698812
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.5172/hesr.2010.19.4.505