Meyer distinguishes four communicative functions of humor: identification, clarification, enforcement, and differentiation. Humor can unite participants while drawing boundaries or disciplining others. Several functions may operate together, so laughter alone cannot show which relationship the exchange created or whose interests it served.
- Entry typeRelated entry
- FromHumorous Communication Theory (model)
- CategoryAnalytical Frameworks, Typologies & Heuristics
- DomainConversation & Relationships
What these mean
Editorial orientation · Entry type
Related entry
Related entries name an idea, effect or practice that belongs to a model or tool of the series. They are not models or tools themselves and are not counted as such; each one leads to the model or tool it comes from, and to its Executive Insight Brief.
Editorial orientation · Category
Analytical Frameworks, Typologies & Heuristics
Organizes dimensions, distinctions, types or questions so that a situation can be examined systematically. A framework supplies structure, a typology distinguishes forms, and a heuristic offers a usable way to orient judgment.