“I Was an Ex-Con, Haha”: The Role of Humour in Social Reintegration of the Formerly Incarcerated

• In Event: Narrative Criminology #4: No Laughing Matter? Humor, Jokes and Satire in Research on Social Harms

Abstract

This paper, employing an autoethnographic approach and integrating Goffman's work on ‘stigma,’ explores the role of humour in the social reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals. The paper combines the author's personal narrative of incarceration and societal labelling with an analysis of humour's potential to counteract the stigma attached to the ‘ex-con’ label. It demonstrates how humour serves not only as a personal coping mechanism but also as a social tool for navigating and rebuilding friendships post-prison, both old and new. By redefining the ‘ex-con’ identity through a ‘joke criminology’ lens, the paper illustrates the transformative power of humour in easing social tensions, challenging negative stereotypes, and fostering a sense of belonging within societal structures. This paper also underscores the effectiveness of humour in the personal journey towards destigmatisation, highlighting its significance in the broader discourse on stigma, identity, and the complexities of re-entering society. Through this blend of theoretical exploration and personal narrative, the paper contributes to understanding the pivotal role of humour in the social reintegration of individuals transitioning from incarceration back into society.

Author

• Dwayne Antojado, University of Melbourne