Perceptions and Effects of Gender-Based Violence Subversive Humor

Gender-based violence is a widespread phenomenon that disproportionally affects women. Gender-based violence subversive humor (GVSH) aims to critique, subvert common myths, and raise awareness of gender-based violence. GVSH often occurs in the form of stand-up comedy or jokes made by victims who seek to reclaim narratives, cope with their negative experiences, and subvert stereotypical beliefs about gender-based violence. This project employs mixed methods to a) understand how GVSH is conceptualized, delivered by victims, and perceived by the audience; b) examine the positive effects of GVSH on deconstructing gender-based violence myths, raising awareness, and motivating people to fight gender-based violence, and c) investigate how women who have been victims and are survivors of gender-based violence appreciate, use, and positively benefit in terms of wellbeing from GVSH. The project aims to establish a new line of research by providing evidence about this type of humor and exploring its potential to promote social change and foster inclusive societies