Identity

Identity refers to our sense of self. Our identity includes both those personal characteristics that make each of us unique and those that establish us as a member of a particular social group (including gender, race and ethnicity, age, social class, religion, nationality, ability and disability, education, and occupation). Our identity is complex and fluid and it changes across the life course. Identity and comedy are inextricably linked. The identity of the comic performer and the audience are fundamental features in the comedy process. Comedy plays a significant role in identity negotiation and renegotiation for both performers and audiences. Comedy production and reception can reaffirm, challenge, and subvert identities. This entry examines the relationship between comedy and identity from the perspective of both the professional ...