From Entertainment to Empowerment: How Chinese Female Stand-Up Comedians Expand the Safe Zone for Gender Discourse through Humor

Abstract

The rapid development of the Internet in the 21st century has given rise to Chinese fourth-wave feminism, which challenges deeply rooted Confucian values and gender norms in daily lives. This study examines how Chinese female stand-up comedians use humor to expand the safe zone of gender discourse under the current gender order and role structure. Using a qualitative content analysis, this study draws on gender order and gender role theory to examine three female stand-up comedians' scripts and 59 audience comments collected from Chinese online platforms. The findings reveal that female comedians use humor not merely for entertainment, but rather as a tool to resonate with female audiences, crafting narratives that reflect shared gendered experiences. Through strategic storytelling, satire, and digital interaction, they construct a safe space for discussing gender issues while minimizing backlash. Through these efforts, Chinese female stand-up comedians peacefully expand the scope of public discourse on gender issues and challenge patriarchal gender order and gender roles. This study contributes to Chinese feminist studies by highlighting the role of stand-up comedy as an effective tool for the feminist movement. It also offers strategies of strategic humor for other feminist movements in non-Western contexts.