TITLE:
Humour and Social Power: A Sociological Lens on Political Communication
AUTHORS:
Enoch Chi Ngai Lim
KEYWORDS:
Political Humour, Satire, Political Communication, Polarisation, Political Memes, Civic Engagement, Media Discourse
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.13 No.10,
October
20,
2025
ABSTRACT: Humour is a key part of political communication. It can connect people, but also create division. From early satire to modern memes, it has shaped how societies question authority, respond to political messages, and express dissent. At the same time, it can increase polarisation, spread false claims, and distort facts. Examples from both democracies and authoritarian regimes show that humour is neither only entertainment nor always constructive. Its impact depends on culture, media, and how audiences receive it. This article explores the evolution of political humour across historical, cultural, sociological, and digital contexts, highlighting its capacity to simplify complex issues, stimulate participation, and foster community.