The potential of self-irony: a systematic review of its absence in academia

This paper embarks on a paradoxical exploration within the scholarly realm, delving into the conspicuous void of self-irony entrenched within academic discourse. Despite irony's pervasive presence in contemporary culture and its acknowledged value in fostering critical thinking, creativity, and communicative prowess, its conspicuous absence within academic spheres warrants scholarly attention. This systematic review meticulously scrutinizes the dearth of self-irony in academic literature, dissecting the underlying causes and implications of this stark omission.

Through a methodical examination of scholarly articles, journals, and academic texts across diverse disciplines, this paper delineates the multifaceted reasons contributing to academia's reluctance toward embracing self-irony. It navigates through entrenched norms of seriousness, rigidity of scholarly conventions, and the perceived threat to intellectual authority, unraveling the inhibiting factors hindering the integration of self-irony in academic discourse.

Moreover, this review sheds light on the potential benefits that could be reaped from the judicious incorporation of self-irony within academia. It posits that embracing self-irony might not only invigorate academic dialogue but also encourage humility, reflexivity, and a more engaging scholarly environment. The paper concludes by advocating for a paradigm shift—a reevaluation of academic norms—to carve out space for the constructive and transformative potential of self-irony within the hallowed halls of academia.