This research paper aims to draw a direct connection between the Social Learning Theory and how the reinforcement of gender stereotypes directly influence how undergraduate college students perceive professors and their use off-color humor. More specifically, this study examines how when professors of the opposite gender use the exact same type of humor the female professor will more likely be perceived as inappropriate and possibly unprofessional. The study will offer a hypothetical experiment in order to test the proposed hypothesis. Since the hypothesis of this study is focused on the use of humor by professors and the interpretation of their students. The method designed, manipulated the level and use of off-humor while instructing by both
…show more content…
The use of humor is a common communication behavior, used to reduce tension, to alleviate boredom, to gain favor through self-enhancement, and to engage the audience. More specifically, off-color humor deals with topics that are often considered vulgar or crude and also most commonly used when concerned with sex, gender, and profanity. This use of off-color humor is sometimes seen as inappropriate no matter what context, but it is a tool that college professors use within the classroom to increase their effectiveness, likeability, commonality, and even rapport. According to Abrams’ and Bippus’ (2011) one objective of humor is to make others laugh, but whether or not people respond in favor of such humor varies widely. For instance, while one student may find the use of humor beneficial and appropriate another may find humorous communication as inappropriate thus negating the ability to accept the professor. Also, according to Banas, Dunbar, Rodriguez, and Lius (2011) research, found that the use of negative and/or inappropriate humor within the classroom caused many students to feel uncomfortable, distracted, and even resulting in lower evaluations of instructor. Their study covers the use of ‘appropriate’ and ‘inappropriate’ humor by instructors within the classroom and analyzing the receiver perspectives of the use of communication. In relation, this investigation will also analyze the use of humor by college …show more content…
According to Wanzer and Frymier’s (1999), study emphasizes how humor positively influences the college classroom. More specifically their study found that with the use of humor students’ perception of instructors’ were positively influenced and the learning relationship. While this study highlights the use of humor and the students’ perception of such humor, it fails to mention how gender and the stereotypes associated with each gender impacts the perception of humor communication. The current study will highlight one of many overlooked implications that result from gendered stereotypes within the professional sphere. It is only by bringing attention to the inherent inequalities women in professional positions face that the perpetuation of the gender binary discourse may be thwarted. With that being said, this research hopes to help all educational instructors and more specifically female instructors understand the interpretation of their students when using off-color humor by referring to the social learning
The use of humor is a common communication behavior, used to reduce tension, to alleviate boredom, to gain favor through self-enhancement, and to engage the audience. More specifically, off-color humor deals with topics that are often considered vulgar or crude and also most commonly used when concerned with sex, gender, and profanity. This use of off-color humor is sometimes seen as inappropriate no matter what context, but it is a tool that college professors use within the classroom to increase their effectiveness, likeability, commonality, and even rapport. According to Abrams’ and Bippus’ (2011) one objective of humor is to make others laugh, but whether or not people respond in favor of such humor varies widely. For instance, while one student may find the use of humor beneficial and appropriate another may find humorous communication as inappropriate thus negating the ability to accept the professor. Also, according to Banas, Dunbar, Rodriguez, and Lius (2011) research, found that the use of negative and/or inappropriate humor within the classroom caused many students to feel uncomfortable, distracted, and even resulting in lower evaluations of instructor. Their study covers the use of ‘appropriate’ and ‘inappropriate’ humor by instructors within the classroom and analyzing the receiver perspectives of the use of communication. In relation, this investigation will also analyze the use of humor by college …show more content…
According to Wanzer and Frymier’s (1999), study emphasizes how humor positively influences the college classroom. More specifically their study found that with the use of humor students’ perception of instructors’ were positively influenced and the learning relationship. While this study highlights the use of humor and the students’ perception of such humor, it fails to mention how gender and the stereotypes associated with each gender impacts the perception of humor communication. The current study will highlight one of many overlooked implications that result from gendered stereotypes within the professional sphere. It is only by bringing attention to the inherent inequalities women in professional positions face that the perpetuation of the gender binary discourse may be thwarted. With that being said, this research hopes to help all educational instructors and more specifically female instructors understand the interpretation of their students when using off-color humor by referring to the social learning