Looking at humour from a structural-functional viewpoint, jokes
A) are often used to safely express potentially disruptive sentiments.
B) operate best when they offend someone.
C) form a universal bond, regardless of culture.
D) are mostly nonsense and don't really help sociologists understand social interaction.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

From a structural-functional viewpoint, jokes serve a social function by allowing individuals to express potentially disruptive sentiments in a safe and controlled environment. This helps to maintain social order and cohesion by providing an outlet for frustrations and tensions. Jokes that offend someone actually go against the function of humor in maintaining social harmony, and humor may not necessarily form a universal bond as its reception can be influenced by cultural norms and values. Lastly, while some jokes may seem nonsensical, they can still provide insight into social interaction and cultural norms.

Looking at Humour from a Structural-Functional Viewpoint, Jokes