O humor em movimentos sociais: Criatividade e informalidade nas manifestações anti-austeridade em Portugal

Abstract

This research discusses the role of humor in social movements in Portugal, between 2011 and 2013. The Critical Discourse Analysis method was used to analyze posters from Que se Lixe a Troika (QSLT) and union’s protests, and interviews were conducted among activists and unionists. A profuse use of humor and informal discourse in the protest organized by QSLT is confirmed. This research concludes that this results from a lesser degree of institutionalism, an identity of resistance, an optimistic culture of protest, and the activist’s concern to recreate their communication. Also discussed are the advantages/disadvantages of humor in relation to its role in publicizing a social problem.