Project 6.3

This interdisciplinary PhD project investigates whether humour can bridge divides between opposing social or ideological groups. It does so by combining social psychology with philosophy. The research theorizes humour as an interaction ritual that can foster pluralistic cohesion, valuing both solidarity and differences. The methods consist of a literature review, standardized experiments and philosophical analysis to develop and test a conceptual framework. The ideal candidate is a (near) master’s or research master’s graduate in social psychology or a related field, with strong quantitative skills and an affinity for philosophy. The project will produce both theoretical insights and practical guidelines for using humour in diverse societal settings.

The proposed project examines whether humour can bridge divides between opposing social or ideological groups by combining social-psychological experiments with philosophical analysis. The aim is to investigate when and how humour as an interaction ritual can result in more versus less valuable forms of social cohesion between individuals and groups in society. Although the main focus of this project is to contribute to theory development and provide conceptual insights, these outcomes should also be useful in practice to help foster cohesion in a range of social settings (e.g., citizen assemblies by regional or national governments concerning policy on topics such as migration or climate adaptation; interactions of the police with diverse groups of citizens).

The proposed design involves three phases, using mixed methods (a standardized literature review, a philosophical analysis and standardized experiments). The research design will be further concretized in collaboration with the PhD student.

Phase 1: From Humour to Social Cohesion

The method combines a systematic literature review and philosophical analysis. This phase investigates a) which types of humour are identified in philosophy and social psychology and b) how these relate to cohesion and division (polarization) at both the interpersonal and intergroup levels. The aim is to develop a taxonomy that links types and mechanisms of humour to their expected interpersonal and intergroup outcomes. Standardized experiments will then test the extent to which this taxonomy can be empirically validated.

Phase 2: From Humour in Diverse Groups to Pluralistic Social Cohesion

This phase again combines literature review and philosophical (normative) analysis to explore existing types of social cohesion and their ethical status. For instance, we distinguish between conformity-based cohesion, which relies on enforcing norms and sanctioning deviation, and pluralistic cohesion, which values both connection and difference among individuals and groups. From a normative perspective, pluralistic cohesion appears more desirable than conformity-based cohesion.

Standardized experiments further investigate which humour types and contexts promote normatively valuable (versus less valuable) forms of cohesion. These studies will also examine the mechanisms through which humour facilitates intergroup rapprochement or instead fuels polarization and ideological entrenchment.

Phase 3: Theoretical Integration and Practical Application

The final phase focuses on conceptual integration. Empirical findings from the experiments are incorporated into a theoretical framework (building on the taxonomy developed in Phase 1) that specifies how and when different humour types and mechanisms can give rise to pluralistic (or otherwise normatively valuable) forms of cohesion. Alongside this theoretical contribution, Phase 3 also translates these insights into practical guidelines for the responsible and effective use of humour in settings with diverse or opposing groups.