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‘Tribalism’, identity fusion and football fandom in Australia: the case of Western Sydney

Knijnik, Jorge, Newson, Martha (2020) ‘Tribalism’, identity fusion and football fandom in Australia: the case of Western Sydney. Soccer & Society, . ISSN 1466-0970. E-ISSN 1743-9590. (doi:10.1080/14660970.2020.1802254) (KAR id:84009)

Abstract

Processes of group formation and social identity are key to understanding human behaviour in social domains. In football, ‘ultras’ groups are currently considered the most visible style of fandom across the football world. By binding individuals together, these groups create new social identities that make them an ideal context for understanding how people behave within group contexts. This paper employs identity fusion theory to analyse a one-year study of the Red and Black Bloc (RBB), an ultras formation in Western Sydney, Australia. With data collected using active interviews, online surveys, participant observation in football stadiums and fans’ online forums, the paper discusses the set of circumstances that bought the RBB together as a cohesive unit. It concludes with a set of recommendations to Australian football administrators and beyond, offering a comprehensive view of fans’ tribal behaviour and how to make the most of these findings for the betterment of their emergent leagues.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1080/14660970.2020.1802254
Uncontrolled keywords: identity fusion theory, soccer fans, ultras
Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GN Anthropology
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Anthropology and Conservation
Depositing User: Martha Newson
Date Deposited: 09 Nov 2020 18:38 UTC
Last Modified: 04 Mar 2024 16:17 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/84009 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Newson, Martha.

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