Constructing Political Persona via Jokes in Pakistan: A Thematic Analysis

Abstract

Jokes and humor play a vital role in contribution to construct political persona. Besides providing entertainment and amusement, these also depict social and political issues. Political jokes are not only funny or witty remarks but a part of cultural text which inform us about the political issues of the society. This study uses constructivist-interpretivist paradigm (Guba and Lincoln, 1994) and focuses on Michael Billig’s Theory of Humor and Ridicule (2005). The research uses inductive reasoning and qualitative research method. Political jokes were collected from Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram in the period from January 2023 to June 2025. The collected Political jokes were analyzed by using thematic analysis of Braun and Clarke (2006). The analysis of jokes reveals that Political humor in Pakistan is not only use to entertain people but it also reflects the frustration, emotions, and disappointment of people on the politicians. These jokes not only make people laugh but they carry deeper meanings and act as social dialogue. The study also highlighted different traits of political leaders in Pakistan depicted through jokes and humor. Humor act as a way of political education for public. Also, these jokes act as a tool through which people build identities of politicians by combining their thoughts, observation and situation in which they live.