Enjeux sociologiques d'une analyse de l'humour au travail : Le cas des agents d'accueil et des éboueurs

Abstract

Based on two ethnographic studies conducted in the call centre of a public office in Spain and a public waste collection company in Paris, this paper intends to provide an understanding of the multiple aspects and sociological implications of humour at work with the aim of enriching its sociological analysis by examining apparently very different work environments and professional cultures. Our hypothesis is based on the assumption that humour is an interesting but unusual vehicle for a practical and symbolic understanding of work dynamics, organisation and implementation of different activities. It indeed makes it possible to analyse the structure and interplay of social relations embodied in the division of labour, while also providing an insight into professional cultures, creative forms of resistance performed by workers to meet their commitments and overcome any obstacle along the way, strategies adopted to engage in or distance themselves from work, or forms of social control developed to enhance work group cohesion.