Why have clowns existed in almost every society? What purpose do they serve? What will be an ...

The clown has existed in almost every society because they respond to the universal human need to be free of the constraints of social rules. Clowns always stand outside of mainstream society, and from that position, they can transgress or comment on society's rules. When we laugh at these transgressions, it releases pent-up emotional energy. Clowns can teach by bad example, helping to solidify a community's values. Their ability to break society's rules affirms those rules. The clown can express our longings and anxieties, and provide an ironic commentary on our lives.