A recent research explores variations in comedy preferences between men and women. (Image source: Pexels/Luiz Woellner Fotografia)


January 15, 2024

In an era dominated by internet memes, divisive political discourse, and diverse comedic tastes, a recent investigation delves into the distinct humour preferences of men and women. Spearheaded by Robin Dunbar, a professor at the University of Oxford, the study aims to uncover potential disparities in the sense of humour between the two genders.

Published in the Humour journal by De Gruyter, the research gathered data from 3,380 individuals attending an exhibition of print cartoons at the Cartoon Museum in London, England. To discern comedic inclinations, Dunbar and her research team categorized cartoons of varying intricacy into 18 pairs. Participants were then tasked with rating the perceived humour of each pair. The analysis considered factors such as participants' age, gender, and the content of cartoons spanning the period from 1930 to 2010.

Across both genders, the study discovered that more intricate jokes reliant on subtext garnered greater amusement than simpler, slapstick comedy. However, Dunbar notes a threshold beyond which comedic complexity becomes challenging to comprehend, likening it to verbal jokes.

Men tended to appreciate visual jokes more than their female counterparts, while women exhibited a preference for humour involving political commentary or relationship dynamics. Visual comedy, as the study outlines, has evolved into a common element in cultural expression, serving both amusement and political or social commentary through satire.

Cartoon comedy, according to researchers, embodies an "intersection of our psychological and social interests," recognizing the difficulty of capturing socially intricate scenarios within a two-dimensional format. The study indicates that participant age and the publication date of cartoons did not significantly influence humour ratings.

Overall, both men and women favoured social commentary jokes related to domestic relationships and visual jokes utilizing puns and wordplay. Conversely, political jokes received the least enthusiasm from participants of both genders.

Further insights from the study reveal that women lean towards humour centred on domestic circumstances, while men gravitate towards slapstick or situational visual jokes. Dunbar posits that these humour preferences stem from the notable differences in the social styles of the two genders, a perspective often overlooked in favour of minimal IQ-based distinctions.

The study proposes that these findings may offer insights into how men and women navigate their relationships, shedding light on the nuanced dynamics of humour preferences in the context of social interaction.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

You may also like

Kylie Jenner Stuns in Chic Catsuit on Paris Date with Timothée

Kylie Jenner is making a bold style statement in 2025 with the return of the catsuit. The makeup mogul was....

Elizabeth Hurley Dazzles in Barbie Pink Dress at Oliver After Party

On Tuesday evening, Elizabeth Hurley turned heads in a stunning Barbie pink sequin dress at the press night after party....

Princess Kate Debuts Glamorous New Hair For First 2025 Event

Princess Kate began the new year with a meaningful return to The Royal Marsden, the cancer treatment center in Fulham,....

Restaurant Asks $120 For Pineapple Topping On Pizza

The debate over whether pineapple belongs on pizza has been one of the most controversial topics in food history, and....

Michelle Keegan Subtly Conceals Baby Bump In Stylish Dress

Michelle Keegan and Mark Wright, who recently announced they’re expecting their first child, have been the talk of the town....

Amanda Holden Stuns In Barbie Pink Corset Dress With Waves

TV personality Amanda Holden turned heads on Saturday as she stepped out for auditions in Blackpool for Britain's Got Talent.....

Helen George stuns in figure-hugging outfit and knee-high boots

Helen George knows how to captivate her audience, and she proved it once again this Thursday by sharing a series....

Anne Hathaway Stuns in Sculpted Gown, Resembling an Oscar

Anne Hathaway may have won an Oscar nearly a decade ago for her role as Fantine in Les Misérables, but....

WNBA star Angel Reese graces the cover of Vogue magazine

WNBA star Angel Reese has achieved a remarkable milestone, gracing the cover of Vogue in a feature that explores the....

Solitary Mediterranean Hermit Mauro Morandi Dies at 85

Mauro Morandi, a man who spent over three decades living off the grid on a deserted Mediterranean island, has passed....

Nicole Kidman Shines as the Best Dressed at Awards Gala

Hollywood’s finest gathered at the National Board of Review Awards Gala, showcasing a night filled with sophistication and flair. Leading....

Doctors concerned iodine deficiency is re-emerging as a problem

Iodine deficiency, once a major health issue in the United States, is beginning to resurface, raising alarm among medical professionals.....