Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

Sociology of Humor and a Critical Dramaturgy

2006; Wiley; Volume: 29; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1525/si.2006.29.3.331

1533-8665

Paul B. Paolucci, Margaret Richardson,

Discourse Analysis in Language Studies

Goffman's analytic framework can provide tools useful for a critical theory of modern society. While commentators have remarked on Goffman's apparent technical neutrality, a sociology of humor can help reveal his critical thrust. Using a latent content analysis, we demonstrate how several frames found in Jerry Seinfeld's humor are both dramaturgical and covertly critical. We use these themes to illuminate the critical analyses of modern social life provided by Goffman's method.