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SELF‐MOCKERY: AN ALTERNATIVE FORM OF SELF‐PRESENTATION *
Author(s) -
Ungar Sheldon
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
symbolic interaction
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.874
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 1533-8665
pISSN - 0195-6086
DOI - 10.1525/si.1984.7.1.121
Subject(s) - presentation (obstetrics) , ambivalence , presentational and representational acting , self , social psychology , psychology , epistemology , aesthetics , art , philosophy , medicine , radiology
The first part of the paper delineates grounds for doubting that enhancing performances are as pervasive as the self‐presentational literature suggests. Then, the notion of structural ambivalence is used to demonstrate that there is considerable “leeway” in role taking, especially in the case of humorous or playful behaviour. Extending this analysis, it is argued that self‐mockery constitutes an important aspect of the presentation of self. The remaining sections of the paper seek to define, illustrate and explore the functions of various types of self‐mockery. Above all, it is suggested that self‐mockery serves to increase the positive emotional sentiments among participants.