The theory of benign violation suggests that humor occurs when something that is normally considered to be a violation of social norms or expectations is presented in a non-threatening or safe manner.
The industry standard theory suggests that laughter is a social behavior that is used to establish and maintain relationships within a group. It also proposes that humor is often used as a way to cope with stress and tension in the workplace or other social settings.
No, these two theories are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they can be seen as complementary to each other, as both offer different explanations for the purpose and function of humor in human interactions.
While these theories have been studied primarily in the context of verbal humor, they can also be applied to other forms of humor such as physical comedy or visual jokes. However, the degree to which they can be applied may vary depending on the specific type of humor being analyzed.
Yes, there is a growing body of research that supports both the theory of benign violation and the industry standard theory. Studies have shown that humor can serve as a social lubricant and can strengthen social bonds, and that the violation of social norms can lead to humor and laughter in certain contexts.