Being the butt of the joke: Homophobic humour, male identity, and its connection to emotional and physical violence for men

Title
Being the butt of the joke: Homophobic humour, male identity, and its connection to emotional and physical violence for men
Publication Date
2010
Author(s)
McCann, Pol Dominic
Plummer, David
Minichiello, Victor
Type of document
Journal Article
Language
en
Entity Type
Publication
Publisher
eContent Management Pty Ltd
Place of publication
Australia
DOI
10.5172/hesr.2010.19.4.505
UNE publication id
une:7501
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.
Link
Citation
Health Sociology Review, 19(4), p. 505-521
ISSN
1839-3551
1446-1242
Start page
505
End page
521

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