Wagner, Diana and Bhojwani, Ria and IJzer, Michel and Lichtenberg, Owen (2022) The Functions and Appropriateness of Humour Around Collective Action in Human Rights Activism. Bachelor thesis, Psychology.
|
Text
Bachelor_Thesis_D.Wagner_s3654729.pdf Download (643kB) | Preview |
Abstract
This current qualitative study serves to analyze possible functions of humour and its appropriate use in a sample of 17 human rights activists. By using findings from previous literature, six possible areas of interest were deductively determined. Based on these areas, semi-structured questionnaires were devised and 30-min online interviews were conducted, using student volunteers and full-time employees of Amnesty International Netherlands. Subsequently, the interviews were transcribed and evaluated using the thematic analysis method. The results showed that most functions previously established during the interdisciplinary studies, remained true, even in the context of the collective actions in human rights activism. Thus, humour can be used as a powerful communication tool to criticize authorities, to cope against frustration, to strengthen in-group ties and to mobilize people. Furthermore, the subjectivity of humour was emphasized and the importance of achieving a balance between appropriate fun and seriousness during collective actions was established. Overall, the study adds to the previous findings by evaluating negative functions of humour, for instance by illustrating humour as a tool of escalating violence. Additionally, this study expands on previous studies in terms of an assessment to a different setting, here human rights activism. Lastly, new points about humour and its influence on tipping points, and humour as an earned right were added. Recommendations for further studies include analyzing a more heterogeneous sample and changing the methodology of the study to explore any possible causal relationships or comparisons between groups. Keywords: humour, collective action, human rights, appropriateness, functions
| Item Type: | Thesis (Bachelor) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Greijdanus, H.J.E. and Gordijn, E.H. |
| Degree programme: | Psychology |
| Differentiation route: | None [Bachelor Psychology] |
| Date Deposited: | 10 Jun 2022 08:34 |
| Last Modified: | 10 Jun 2022 08:34 |
| URI: | http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/511 |
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |