The relationship between comedy and social change has a long history and has been a subject of academic and cultural analysis. Comedy provides a space for people to talk and listen, and humor as an appealing feature makes audiences concentrate on the content of comedy because they need to decode and interpret the jokes to understand the joke and laugh. According to Friedman (2019), “humor has the potential to educate, to heal both those oppressed but also the oppressors if they are willing to listen” (p.20). In this regard, comedy is becoming an important discourse for social activists to speak out. Among them, the power of feminist discourse cannot be ignored. Female stand-up comedians have been postulated to function as a form of activist utilizing humor to confront injustices and gender inequality. Iliza Shlesinger in particular, a renowned comedian prominently featured on Netflix with six special releases, and her work “serve as vehicles to challenge social expectations of femininity for herself and her audience” (Niebrugge, 2018, p. 1) Shlesinger’s humor is observed to balance satirization of preconceptions with affirming individuals’ agency over self-identification. The ensuing literature review will present scholarly examinations of comedy’s capacity to catalyze social change, the embodiment of feminism within comedic discourse, and critiques levied against feminist comedy’s efficacy in facilitating societal evolution through humor-driven means. A more nuanced understanding of these components can furnish a new perspective on comedy’s role in challenging dominant paradigms.

Comedy as a catalyst for social change

Scholarly perspectives on the relationship between comedy and social change are varied. According to Ruiz Gurillo (2019), comedy can potentially uphold the status quo and serve as a conservative instrument that reinforces hierarchical power relations, thus should not always be viewed as inherently critical. However, Rossing (2015) posited that at its best, humor can sharpen understanding of injustice, bring communities together, and provoke dialogue and action for change. Chattoo (2023) built upon this, arguing cultural power gained through comedy and entertainment can be transformed into civic power. Karim (2023) provides empirical support for this view by analyzing the stand-up comedy of Dave Chappelle. The comedian related the tragic story of 14-year-old Emmett Till, who was lynched for allegedly whistling at a white woman in Mississippi in 1955. Surprisingly, retelling this narrative in his comedy acts sparked the U.S. civil rights movement for African Americans. Through his comedy, Chappelle empowered marginalized communities by raising critical awareness of their historical oppression (Karim, 2023). Drawing from these theoretical perspectives, comedy holds potential for both upholding and challenging social hierarchies. When leveraging humor to sharpen understanding of injustice and bring communities together in dialogue, it can foster civic empowerment and drive social change. This literature review will further examine feminism within comedy discourse and analyses of comedians leveraging humor for empowerment and critique.

Feminist humor

Votruba (2018) argued that, “Feminist humor is any style of humor using a feminist lens to discuss comic material, often focused on situations or experiences specifically felt by women”. To be more specific, “feminist humor does not laugh at the mission itself, for to do so would trivialize it. Instead, it laughs at the very idea of gender inequality in an attempt to render such inequality absurd and powerless” (Walker, 1988). The emergence of feminist comedy has had a significant impact on mainstream discourse, challenging traditional gender roles, highlighting gender inequality, and promoting feminist ideas. Feminist comedians often use humor to challenge and subvert gender stereotypes. In “A Very Serious Thing: Women’s Humor and American Culture” Nancy A. Walker (1988) indicates that radical feminist comedy holds nothing sacrosanct and defies the norms instead of constantly notifying the reader of them by violating them and therefore affirming the fact of an arbitrary social order.Walker(1988) explains that through sharing the common experiences, women are able to realize the sharable problems with other women, building the connection between women. Comics expose present norms or expectations when they challenge established power structures to demonstrate that some things are ineffective. 

In addition to highlighting the difficulties faced by women in sexist societies, Walker (1988) notes that “this humor challenges the assumptions that underlie that culture and reveals their fundamental absurdity”. Humor often takes the form of self-deprecatory, especially for feminist humor, which seek to correct social reality while not merely stating its presence. Self-deprecation, however, has historically been a societal stigmatization of aggressively humorous women (Auslander, 1997). In the past, female comedians reduced the threatening nature they posed to male domination by making fun of themselves and being part of the joke. Women’s angry voices were muffled in the process of self-deprecation and personification of themselves. In contemporary times, things are different, female stand-up comedians use self-deprecation more to bring awareness to issues. Women are fighting back against the initial trend of self-deprecating female comic book characters that reinforced rather than disproved stereotypes (Votruba, 2018).

The role of comedy in driving social change was explored in the literature review, with a particular focus on feminist humor. It emphasized that comedy has the potential to challenge societal norms, provoke critical thinking, and inspire action. Feminist comedy, characterized by its feminist perspective, aims to subvert gender stereotypes, and expose the absurdity of patriarchal norms. It fosters a sense of solidarity among women by highlighting shared experiences and discussion being promoted. The review also discussed the historical use of self-deprecating humor by female comedians and its evolution into a tool for raising awareness and challenging societal realities. When researchers focus much on the power of humor, they rarely discuss the power of feminist humor in modern society, since girls’ voice is becoming louder, how young comedians challenge the world is worth discussing.

The research seeks to examine how empowerment of feminism is achieved within the comedy discourse through comedian Iliza Shlesinger’s Netflix special “Hot Forever”. Critical discourse analysis will be applied in interpreting the specials’ script. The paper will focus on how gender norms are challenged, feminist issues are addressed, and women are empowered through the comedic style employed. By investigating the comedic techniques utilized by Shlesinger, such as satire, storytelling, and observational humor, the research aims to understand how her performance contributes to feminist empowerment. Additionally, the research will explore the reception and impact of Shlesinger’s special, shedding light on its influence on the comedy discourse surrounding feminism.

Methodology

Research question: How do Ilaza Shlesinger’s specials empower feminism in the comedy discourse by challenging and subverting traditional gender norms?

Artefact

Netflix, as the leading streaming service with a diverse subscriber base of 238.39 million people from various ethnic backgrounds and age groups (Stoll, 2023), offers a valuable platform for analyzing comedy discourse. However, as of April 2018, only 12% of the 237 stand-up comedy routines on Netflix featured female performers (Duwe, 2022). Shlesinger stands out as the only female comedian with more than two specials on Netflix. Shlesinger has emerged as one of the most alluring voices on stage as a representation of women in comic discourse (Duwe, 2022). In order to evaluate each screenplay and draw comparisons, this essay looks at Shlesinger’s two most recent specials, Unveiled and Hot Forever. This study utilizes the scripts of Shlesinger’s “Unveiled” and “Hot Forever” obtained from Scraps from the Loft, a website that provides full scripts of media artifacts for educational and academic purposes (Scraps from the Loft, 2023). To ensure accuracy, the scripts have been cross-referenced with the original videos. 

Critical Discourse Analysis

This study employs Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) as the primary methodology due to its suitability for examining the empowerment of feminism in comedy discourse. The CDA offers a strong framework for examining how language, power, and social environment interact (Fairclough, 1995; McLoughlin, 2016). CDA enables a thorough investigation of how discourse upholds or undermines social norms and power systems by focusing on the language used in social interactions. The CDA is especially pertinent in the context of comedic discourse since humor is a key factor in forming and challenging social norms and views. By using language and comic tactics, comedians have a special capacity to question preconceived notions and spur discussion. Using CDA, this study seeks to understand how Iliza Shlesinger’s comedy specials defy and question conventional gender roles, therefore boosting feminism in the context of humor.

For this study issue, CDA has various benefits. First, it acknowledges that language is closely related to power relations and ideologies and is not merely a neutral means of communication. We can discover more about how gender norms are created and maintained in comedic discourse by looking at the language choices, metaphors, and storylines used by comedians. Additionally, CDA enables an investigation of the larger social and historical settings in which comedic acts occur. It recognizes that comedy is impacted by and affects the sociopolitical environment rather than being in a vacuum. We may investigate how Shlesinger’s comedy specials link to feminist movements and social changes through the contextual study phase of CDA, assisting in the empowerment of feminism (McLoughlin, 2016). Additionally, CDA stresses the significance of identifying subtextual meanings and underlying ideologies in conversation. Comedy frequently uses subtlety and subversion to subvert prevailing myths and viewpoints. By using CDA, we can explore the subliminal messages Shlesinger hides in her funny scripts, exposing how she subverts gender expectations and promotes a more liberal view of women.

Thus, a thorough and sophisticated method for assessing the empowerment of feminism in comic discourse is provided by critical discourse analysis. This study attempts to shed light on how comedy can question and disrupt conventional gender stereotypes, fostering a more inclusive and powerful comic environment by examining the vocabulary, power dynamics, and underlying ideology in Iliza Shlesinger’s comedy specials. 

Methods

An in-depth examination of comedy specials using a feminist theoretical framework is done in this study technique.

1. Joke Analysis: Each joke is meticulously examined and analyzed to thoroughly explore its comedic elements and underlying themes.

2. Incorporation of Feminist Theory: Using ideas from feminist theory, the language employed in the selected comedy specials is examined, with a focus on gender constructions and gender norms.

3. Categorization of Information: After careful analysis, the information is categorized into three main categories:

a. Power Structure: Examining the dynamics of power and hierarchy within the comedy specials.

b. Gender Norms: Investigating the portrayal and reinforcement of gender norms within the comedy performances.

c. Myth of Women: Exploring the narratives and stereotypes surrounding women as presented in the comedy specials.

4. Application of Fairclough’s Paradigm for CDA: The research methodology follows Fairclough’s (1995) paradigm for Critical Discourse Analysis, which involves three phases for each category:

a. Political and Social Setting: Determining the political or social context in which the texts were created and performed.

b. Textual Analysis: Conducting a thorough analysis of the discourse elements within the comedy scripts and interpreting their significance.

c. Contextual Study: Investigating the underlying ideologies and examining how the comedy scripts relate to broader societal contexts, such as feminism and hierarchical structures.

Utilizing this method of research, the study seeks to offer a thorough knowledge of the comedy specials while illuminating the ways in which humor and language influence how society perceives many aspects of society, particularly those relating to gender and power relationships.

Limitations and further research

While Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) provides a valuable framework for analyzing Iliza Shlesinger’s comedy specials, it is important to acknowledge its limitations in the context of this study. The CDA’s reliance on interpretation and arbitrary analysis is one of its drawbacks. The researcher’s prejudices and viewpoints may affect how the comic components and underlying themes of Shlesinger’s specials are interpreted, potentially affecting they way we comprehend how they question and defy conventional gender standards. It’s critical to keep these subjective elements in mind while aiming for objectivity in the analysis. Furthermore, CDA largely emphasizes language and discourse, which could restrict the analysis of non-verbal components seen in comedic performances. The empowerment of feminism and the subversion of gender norms may also be facilitated by the use of visual signals, gestures, and delivery techniques. 

Future studies may take into account techniques that examine these non-verbal components in addition to CDA to gain a more thorough understanding of Shlesinger’s comedy specials. In addition, looking at complementary techniques to address these issues and improve our comprehension of how Iliza Shlesinger’s comedy specials promote feminism in comedy discourse is significant. A more thorough examination of the effects of Shlesinger’s specials on viewers’ conceptions of gender norms and feminism would be feasible by combining CDA with other methodologies, such as audience reception studies or qualitative interviews. Furthermore, taking into account viewing statistics and performing audience research would reveal information on how the specials are perceived and whether or not they influence larger societal developments. 

Findings

Recent scholarship has paid considerable attention to the function of comedy in fostering social change, with a focus on the potency of feminist humor (Walker, 1988; Niebrugge, 2018). Comedy has the power to question established norms, elicit critical thought, and motivate action, according to academics. Particularly feminist humor has been a potent instrument for challenging gender norms and highlighting the ridiculousness of patriarchal expectations (Walker, 1988). By showcasing common experiences and encouraging discourse on feminism-related topics, it promotes a sense of solidarity among women. Despite the literature’s broad exploration of humor’s power, there is a knowledge vacuum about feminist humor’s unique impact on contemporary society as women’s voices become louder and more forceful. Therefore, it is crucial to look at the ways in which young comics, such as IlizaShlesinger, subvert conventional norms and advance feminism via their comedy performances. The research will support female emancipation within the comedy discourse by analyzing how comedian Iliza Shlesinger, through her Netflix specials Hot Forever (2022) and Unveiled (2019) does so. Critical discourse analysis was adopted, by interpreting the textual techniques and combining them with contextual backgrounds, I was able to acknowledge how Iliza Shleginger empowers feminism in the comedy discourse.

The following examples, which showcase a range of discursive techniques and linguistic/rhetorical tactics, are taken from Iliza Shlesinger’s comedy specials Hot forever (2022) and Unveiled (2019). Although this article’s breadth precludes a comprehensive range of findings, the following succinct examples might help researchers applying critical discourse analysis concepts to comedic texts:

Extract 1. We already know the sex will most likely be mediocre for the girl. And then if she accidentally gets pregnant, depending on the state, she will be forced to carry that child to term. I hope this goes around the world. And if you, for whatever reason your heart desires, you want to keep your baby, that is fine, I want you to keep your baby. Just don’t make that choice for other women, okay? (Shlesinger, 2022)

Textual Analysis

1. Linguistic Choices: Shlesinger expresses her viewpoint on reproductive rights forcefully and straightforwardly. The expressions “don’t make that choice for other women” and “forced to carry that child to term” draw attention to the lack of agency and control that women may have while making reproductive decisions. Traditional gender conventions that frequently restrict women’s autonomy in matters of pregnancy and delivery are challenged by these language options.

2. Humor Strategies: Shlesinger challenges gender stereotypes and reproductive rights with sarcasm and comedy. The amusing tone engages the audience while presenting a thought-provoking message by contrasting humorous components with serious societal challenges. Shlesinger challenges social norms and tackles delicate subjects in a sympathetic and approachable manner by utilizing comedy.

3. Rhetorical Devices: Shlesinger engages the audience by emphasizing important themes with rhetorical questions and repetition. Phrases like “forced to carry that child to term” and “we don’t even know” are repeated frequently, adding emphasis and reinforcing the lack of control women may have in particular circumstances. The query “Just don’t make that choice for other women, okay?” raises important issues and casts doubt on the idea of forcing one’s own decisions on other people.

Contextual Analysis

1. Cultural and Historical Significance: Iliza parodies the societal and political developments that resulted in the US Supreme Court denying women access to an abortion. In a disastrous verdict that will have long-term effects, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed Roe v. Wade in June 2022, holding that there is no constitutional right to an abortion. The court’s decision will be remembered for centuries. The abortion right was renounced by the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization verdict. Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization is the first case in which the Supreme Court has removed a basic right, overturning over half a century of precedent (Roe v. Wade). deprived of an essential right (Roe v. Wade 2023). She conveys her opinion on anti-abortion groups in the essay, arguing that they respect women’s sovereignty over their own bodies and refrain from making decisions on behalf of other women.

2. Sociopolitical Climate: Anti-Abortion was released in 2022, just a few months after Iliza’sscript was performed. Many people saw the anti-abortion demonstrations in the show on Netflix, and since she was a well-known figure in the feminist movement and a public figure, her statements had much more influence and potency, advancing the cause of reproductive autonomy and societal change.

Extract 2. Girls in movies, the ingenue, she’s got big boobs and she’s running, and it’s always like a tank top, and the tank top’s always falling, right? We like our women half-dressed and distressed. (Shlesinger, 2022)

Textual Analysis

1. Linguistic Choices: Shlesinger illustrates how women are portrayed in movies through vivid descriptions and exaggeration. Shlesinger draws attention to the stereotyped representation of women in films with her use of terms like “big boobs,” “half-dressed and distressed,” and “klutz”. These language decisions question the objectification of women and the irrational standards that are applied to their conduct and appearance. Shlesinger exposes the ridiculousness of conventional gender conventions and challenges them with humor and exaggeration.

2. Humor Strategies: Shlesinger employs satire and irony to criticize the portrayal of women in movies. She uses comedy to draw attention to the paradoxes and double standards that exist in the norms that society holds for women’s conduct and looks. With the use of comedy, the audience is drawn in and inspired to confront and question conventional gender standards.

3. Rhetorical Devices: Shlesinger compares the literary representation of women with actual realities through the use of metaphors and analogies. By contrasting the objectification of women’s bodies, the metaphor of the bra strap as a stress bridge highlights the tenacity and power of women. These rhetorical strategies emphasize the positive parts of women’s experiences, which subvert conventional gender stereotypes.

Contextual Analysis

1. Cultural and Historical Significance: The screenplay extract may be examined in the historical and cultural context of feminism and media representation. It criticizes the clichéd way that women are portrayed in films, paying particular attention to how their bodies are objectified and sexualized. This is in line with feminist rhetoric, which has long emphasized the need for media portrayals of women that are more real and powerful (Gray, 2017). By challenging these stereotypes, the script contributes to the ongoing cultural dialogue surrounding gender equality and media representation.

2. Sociopolitical Climate: The script can be understood about the sociopolitical climate of its time. It reflects the increasing awareness and critique of the objectification of women in popular culture (Madarang et al., 2022). The script’s humor and satire serve as a means to expose and challenge the underlying gender biases perpetuated by media. It aligns with the broader societal discussions on gender equality, consent, and the need for diverse and respectful representations of women in the entertainment industry.

Extract 3. And society will label you competitive, a word that we reserve as a positive for male CEOs, male athletes, and men in general, but if a woman makes herself better, “She’s competitive.” “Sit the fuck down.” It’s normal, it’s intelligent. It’s called fucking adapting. It’s called evolution. When I look at another girl, it’s not about disdain for her, it’s about looking at her and thinking, “What about you do I want to try for me?” That’s what we do. You are constantly… It’s a goose. You are constantly… okay. You are constantly submarine sonaring yourself off of other women (Shlesinger, 2019)

Textual Analysis

1. Linguistic Choices: The dialogue uses direct, strong language to make its point, using coarse language and succinct sentences. This linguistic decision is consistent with Fairclough’s (1995) theory of language and power, which holds that language functions as a medium for the enactment and negotiation of power relations. The scripts challenge the prevailing narrative around women’s competition and asserts the author’s position through the use of aggressive language.

2. Humor Strategies: The script employs irony and comparison as a rhetorical strategy to engage the audience and convey its critique. Although viewers may perceive a character’s essentialized portrayal as a means of perpetuating negative stereotypes, those who are able to recognize irony will recognize the subversive undertone that arises from highlighting the fallacy of reducing a whole gender to a few exaggerated characteristics (Votruba, 2018). In this case, the script utilizes humor to subvert the societal norms that label women as “competitive” in a negative way.

3. Rhetorical Devices: Rhetorical tactics used in the script include contrasts, rhetorical questions, and repetition. Repetitions, like the line “It’s called,” are used to highlight the author’s points and establish a humorous rhythm. Rhetorical questions stimulate critical thinking and reflection in the audience. These strategies highlight the prejudices in society against female competitiveness and strengthen the script’s persuasive power.

Contextual Analysis:

1. Cultural and Historical Significance: By tackling the notion that competition is only linked to males, the script questions gender dynamics (Zhang & Zhou, 2023). It seeks to challenge the idea that women should be less assertive or ambitious in order to redefine gender norms. The screenplay emphasizes the need for equal chances and appreciation for women while highlighting the power structures that support gender inequity. It rejects the notion that women’s aspirations should be determined by competition or comparison with others in favor of promoting personal liberty and individual growth. Without regard to social expectations, the script gives women the freedom to determine their own goals and promotes introspection and self-improvement (Zhang & Zhou, 2023).

2. Sociopolitical Climate: The passage from the screenplay captures the societal background of gender norms and expectations. It criticizes the discriminatory attitudes that permeate society, when traits like competitiveness are frequently praised in males but stigmatized or denounced when shown by women. This comment draws attention to the discrimination and unfair treatment that women experience in a variety of fields, including business and sports.

Extract 4. God forbid on the wedding day we give women a break with the body-image issues. And be like, “Oh, what? That goose-choker? That lap-band for a chinchilla? Yeah, you could just… You can just wear that at the ankle, that’s fine. You can just wear that where everything tapers (Shlesinger, 2019)

Textual Analysis

1. Linguistic choices: Satire is used in the script to highlight how ridiculous these standards are about body image. Exaggerated terms like “lap-band for a chinchilla” and “goose-choker” are used in the screenplay to make people laugh while highlighting the drastic lengths women are sometimes obliged to go to to satisfy society’s ideals of beauty. This humorous approach facilitates a critical analysis of these expectations and calls for a reconsideration of their importance.

2. Humor strategies: The drama tackles the social problem of body image pressures by using exaggeration and absurdity. The script draws attention to the absurdity of the standards set for women’s beauty by depicting drastic methods such as donning a “lap-band for a chinchilla” or a “goose-choker.” This use of comedy seeks to make people laugh while highlighting the underlying criticism of conventional notions of beauty.

3. Rhetorical devices: The script utilizes hyperbole to enhance its comedic effect and convey its message persuasively. Evident in phrases like “God forbid on the wedding day we give women a break.” This exaggeration emphasizes the script’s argument against body image pressures and draws attention to the societal absurdity of such expectations. 

Contextual Analysis

1. Cultural and Historical significance: The play challenges conventional views about women’s bodies, especially as they pertain to marriage, emphasizing the temptation to adhere to unachievable beauty standards and resort to drastic means like surgery or constricting apparel. In line with feminist viewpoints, it opposes the objectification and inspection of women’s bodies. The play raises concerns about women’s need to adhere to societal conventions and continually check their looks, especially at important occasions like weddings. It highlights the contradictions in the ideas of self-acceptance and body positivity.

2. Sociopolitical Climate: The screenplay offers societal criticism on female body image and the cultural and social conventions around marriage. It criticizes the focus on beauty rather than highlighting a couple’s love and dedication to one another. The screenplay questions the idea that a woman’s value is decided by her beauty and promotes a reevaluation of cultural values through humor and satire.

Discussion and Conclusion

This study’s main focus was on how Iliza Shlesinger strengthens feminism in the context of comedy. The research enabled us to evaluate and debate the findings’ importance in light of previous research, point out any fresh trends or advancements, and draw attention to any unexpected or startling findings in this conversation.

The study’s findings are consistent with earlier investigations on feminist humor’s contribution to feminism’s empowerment. Comedy’s ability to challenge prevailing views and effect social change has been acknowledged by academics (Friedman, 2019; Rossing, 2015). The theoretical underpinnings of feminist comedy are congruent with Shlesinger’s use of straightforward language, humor techniques like irony and satire, and rhetorical devices like repetition and rhetorical questions (Walker, 1988). Consequently, the study’s findings add to the body of research supporting the idea that humor may be a powerful vehicle for promoting feminism inside the comedic discourse. But the examination of Shlesinger’s comedy specials also shows some fresh perspectives and advancements in the industry. Her discussion of reproductive rights and the limitations women may have in making decisions about their own bodies is one important feature. Shlesinger draws attention to a particular facet of feminist discourse that has been increasingly prominent in recent times by candidly addressing these difficulties. This points to a rising tendency in feminist humor to address and question gender disparities in reproductive autonomy as well as cultural expectations. The fact that these subjects are covered shows how feminist humor is always changing and adapting to meet the issues of modern women. 

The results of this study also highlight the influence that rhetorical techniques, comedy tactics, and language choices may have on encouraging critical thinking and discussion. Through his humorous style, Shlesinger successfully engages the audience and challenges conventional wisdom. This shows that humor might help people understand gender inequality better and act as a catalyst for larger conversations on feminist problems. Relating the study to the literature review allows us to evaluate how the results align with theoretical viewpoints about comedy’s capacity to challenge prevailing paradigms and influence society (Ruiz Gurillo, 2019; Chattoo, 2023). The study’s findings also emphasize the influence of rhetorical tactics, comedy techniques, and language choices on critical thinking and discussion. Through excellent audience engagement and questioning of cultural conventions and beliefs, Shlesinger uses a comic approach. This implies that humor promotes a better comprehension of gender inequality and can act as a catalyst for more extensive conversations on feminist topics. We can observe that the results validate the theoretical viewpoints on comedy’s capacity to challenge prevailing paradigms by tying the study back to the literature review (Ruiz Gurillo, 2019; Chattoo, 2023). However, it is imperative to recognize the constraints of this research, as it concentrates exclusively on Shlesinger’s output and fails to offer a thorough investigation of all forms of feminist humor or its wider cultural influence. Further investigations into a broader spectrum of comedians and comic texts are necessary in order to obtain a more comprehensive comprehension of the complex characteristics of feminist humor and its capacity to modify social standards.

In conclusion, the results of this investigation offer fresh perspectives on IlizaShlesinger’s contribution to feminism’s empowerment in the comedic discourse, as well as reinforcement for earlier studies. The examination of her comedy specials questions prevailing beliefs and is consistent with current theoretical viewpoints on comedy’s capacity to affect social change. Additionally, the research highlights recent advancements and trends, particularly with regard to addressing reproductive rights and interacting with a variety of audiences. Shlesinger’s comedy’s surprising universality draws attention to the wider influence of feminist humor. Building on the problems and ideas brought up in the literature review, this study advances our knowledge of the transformational power of feminist humor in the media and communication industries.

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