Awkward, Socially

Abstract This chapter moves from the aesthetics of awkwardness to the beginning of an argument for its social and epistemic significance. It starts by asking why people enjoy awkward comedy. Using Carroll’s discussion of the overlap between horror and comedy, it is suggested that awkward comedy is best understood as “social horror.” The chapter goes on to discuss reactions to real-life awkwardness in terms of its aesthetic qualities. It begins by looking at the appeal of effortless manners, which is explained in terms of social norms and cooperation. From there, the argument explores the idea that awkwardness is a way of marking insiders and outsiders; those in the know, and those out in the cold. In the second half of the chapter, this social explanation is elaborated upon to explain why awkwardness is a threat to social norms and accountability.