Theories Of Laughter

Superiority theory:

• one laughs at something as they feel superior, e.g laughing t someone slipping on a banana skin. 
• Originated from 17th century- writer Thomas Hobbes
• Has social and political dimension seen as way of confirming hierarchies in society

Relief theory: 

• laughing when there is a build up of tension of some kind, when something is repressed or we feel awkward or anxious about something
• originates from Freud-ideas of repression and anxiety
• explores social tensions and laughter is a kind of release for build up of energy or anger in society

Incongruity theory:

• laugh at mismatched ideas or elements, juxtaposition of incompatible things
• high and low class being brought together as one
• 18th century- focus on skill and wit