Sexist jokes boost men

MEN who make sexist and homophobic jokes have low self-esteem and are trying to boost their masculinity, a study has found.

Researchers in the US claim men find disparaging jokes about women and gay people funny when they feel their manhood is being threatened.

Dr Emma O’Connor of Western Carolina University said men they polled believe such humour “reaffirms an accurate, more masculine impression of them”.