Offering a social scientific look at humor's role in medical transactions, this volume is based on extensive field study in seven medical settings. It includes excerpts from dozens of actual conversations between patients and caregivers. Analysis of these episodes reveals that humor is a practical tool used to meet many medical objectives. It is used by patients to good-naturedly complain and to campaign for more personal attention, and by caregivers to get attention, make amends, insist on unpleasant routines, and establish rapport.
Examining humor from many angles, the book begins with...

This volume offers a social scientific look at humour's role in medical transactions, including excerpts of conversations between patients and caregivers. A close-up look at three medical case studies shows how humour is used to help a physical therapy patient overcome fear and queasiness.