Irreverence, Ridicule and the Risqué: Humour in (de)(pro)moting social justice

15 October - 17 October 2024, Holiday Inn Johannesburg Sunnyside Park

The Wits Centre for Diversity Studies

10-th Annual International Conference


2024 Theme “Irreverence, Ridicule and the Risqué: Humour in (de)(pro)moting social justice” 

15 – 17 October 2024 | South Africa



Welcome to the 10th annual Wits Centre for Diversity Studies conference which will take place from 15 to 17 October 2024 in Johannesburg, South Africa (Hybrid Platform).


The conference will gather scholars from different directions and locations to critically engage with the question of humour in (de)(pro)moting social justice. Of particular interest for this conference, is how humour is implicated in, and acts through, on, and against the power relations that organise understandings of social differences. When is humour harmless? When is it dangerous? When should we applaud? Where do we draw the line? 


Scholars in the humanities and social sciences, from different parts of the world, are called upon to reflect on humour as a vehicle for both disempowering and speaking truth to power.


Our conference is therefore not about humour for the sake of humour but wishes to consider ridicule, laughter, and fun in the context of dismantling injustice, discrimination and othering, and in promoting a fairer, kinder, less exclusionary world. 




Please note that conference registration and fees are still to be finalised. Further details will be provided soon. See you on 15 -17 October, at the 10th annual WiCDS conference!