Perceptions of sexist humour on Kenyan stand-up comedy: Insights from the Churchill Show

Abstract

This paper investigates how different audience demographics interpret verbal sexist humour on The Churchill Show, a leading Kenyan stand-up comedy program broadcast on TV47. Employing Norman Fairclough’s sociocultural approach to Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), the study delves into audience perceptions of humour that reflects gender biases, stereotypes, and power dynamics. The analysis draws on data collected through focus group discussions, where participants responded to eight selected excerpts of comedic content from nine episodes. The findings highlight diverse audience reactions, ranging from laughter and acceptance to unease and criticism, shaped by demographic factors such as age, gender, and cultural orientation. By analyzing these varied responses, the study sheds light on how sexist humour both reinforces and challenges prevailing gender narratives in Kenyan society. These insights contribute to broader discussions on the societal implications of humour and its role in shaping public attitudes toward gender.