TheLaughter Effect

The [Serious] Role of Comedy in Social Change

The Laughter Effect is a series of investigations that spotlights how and why comedy can play a role in social change. Reports and studies from this project offer strategic recommendations about leveraging comedy for social justice – for change-makers, professional storytellers, and researchers.

How Comedy Works to Change the World

This quick primer breaks it down: Comedy opens doors to complex issues, persuades us emotionally, encourages us to share, and breaks down social barriers.

Learn More

Leveraging Comedy for Social Change

Strategic Recommendations

For strategists and social justice professionals, how can comedy be leveraged for social change? The Laughter Effect strategic recommendations primer offers some tips for engagement.

Learn More

Comedy as Creative Dissent in Latin America

Lessons from Cross-Sector Collaborations in Brazil, Colombia & Mexico

Around the world, in countries immersed in varying degrees of political unrest, media censorship, and the collective frustration of the people, comedy offers a source of catharsis and form of political engagement with serious issues.

Read Report

The Laughter Effect on Medium

COMEDY AT WORK

Comedy is already hard at work repairing the world. The Laughter Effect on Medium is an editorial series featuring case studies, analysis, and new ways of looking at comedy and social change.

Learn More