Put-Down Humor Directed at Outgroup Members Increases Perceived – but Not Experienced – Cohesion in Groups

Abstract

Put-down humor always has a target, and the intent of the speaker is to make fun of someone or something. Due to its inherently social nature, put-down humor could strongly affect socio-emotional group processes and outcomes like cohesion. We hypothesized that put-down humor would increase cohesion when it was targeted at outgroup members and was followed by laughter. Two laboratory experiments were conducted to examine the underlying processes of the put-down humor -cohesion relation. Study 1 showed that put-down humor of outgroup members (as compared to no humor) did not increase participants' attraction to the group. But it increased perceived cohesion among other group members and the perception that other group members felt safer and were more similar to each other. Even when procedures were altered in Study 2 to reduce participants' evaluation apprehension and their potential anxiety about not themselves being humorous, we found the same pattern of results. We discuss which conditions might be necessary for put-down humor to increase one's personal attraction to a group.

A critical view of female aggression and the implications of gender, culture and a changing society: A Cook Islands perspective

“…Furthermore, aggression by girls towards peers was related to in-and out-group belonging, defined within a specific Cook Islands context. In-and out-group aggression is not new and 'put-down humour' has been shown to be particularly effective in developing cohesion when targeting members of the out-group (Gockel and Kerr 2015). Christine Gockel and Norbit Kerr (2015) have also shown that put-downs using humour are even more effective when the group members are similar to each other.…”

“…In-and out-group aggression is not new and 'put-down humour' has been shown to be particularly effective in developing cohesion when targeting members of the out-group (Gockel and Kerr 2015). Christine Gockel and Norbit Kerr (2015) have also shown that put-downs using humour are even more effective when the group members are similar to each other. Thus, while aggression by girls towards their peers relating to in-and out-group status is not a novel phenomenon, the defining characteristics of the outsider are unique to the cultural context.…”

The Discursive Construction of Group Cohesion in Problem-based Learning Tutorials

“…Although a tricky concept to define, the link between teasing and cohesion has been widely demonstrated (Keltner, Capps, Kring, Young & Heerey, 2001; Nesi, 2012; Pichler, 2006). Gockel and Kerr (2015), for instance, highlighted that group cohesion is enhanced through group members’ shared amusement at the expense of someone else out-with the group. This certainly relates to long-held group dynamics literature, which argues that members of groups are likely to see themselves as superior to others, and thus form bonds based on this shared unity (Tajfel & Turner, 1986).…”

“…Keltner, Capps, Kring, Young & Heerey, 2001;Nesi, 2012;Pichler, 2006). Gockel and Kerr (2015), for instance, highlighted that group cohesion is enhanced through group members' shared amusement at the expense of someone else out-with the group, which certainly relates to long-held group dynamics literature that advocates that members of groups are likely to see themselves as superior to others, and as such, form bonds based on this shared unity (Tajfel & Turner, Submission to special issue: "Problem-based learning (PBL) and psychology" Author pre-print version 14 1986). Here, Euan's uncertainty around the word "deets" -and the fact it is explained to him -is oriented to with laughter from both Rachel and Donald, before being made into a joke by Rachel who likens it to the brand 'Deet' insect repellent.…”

The power of humour to unite and divide: a case study of design coordination meetings in construction

“…Aside from the humour, laughter can be evoked through nervousness, surprise, affiliation, maliciousness, face-saving, or as a form of threatening action (O'Donnell-Trujillo and Adams 1983). Gockel and Kerr (2015) found that humour directed at outgroup members increases perceived cohesion in groups, although not necessarily actual experiences of cohesion.…”