Jesters of Gender: An Archival Exploration of College Humor in the Early 20th Century

• In Event: Research In Progress Roundtable Session 5
  In Invited Roundtable: Mentorship, Culture, and Engagement in Higher Education (Table 16)

Abstract

Jesters of gender is conceptual paper that examines the impact of gendered societal norms on culture within one Ivy League institution of higher education in the twentieth century. This paper considers how humor contributes to the culture of gender in academia and socializes those within institutions to the spectrum of gender in subtle and not so subtle ways. Drawing on theoretical frameworks of white institutional presence, gender performativity, and critical race theory to illustrate gendered transgressions, this work contributes to understanding the ideologies embedded in organizational culture. Through an archival exploration of college humor magazines, such as Jester of Columbia, the satirical artifacts of institutions come to life to depict early assumptions about gender normativity.

Author

• Gio Capone, Teachers College, Columbia University