Spartan Aristocracy. The Elite Against all Cover Image

Sparťanská šlechta. Elita proti všem
Spartan Aristocracy. The Elite Against all

Author(s): Alena Pařízková, David Šusta
Subject(s): Social Sciences
Published by: Sociologický ústav - Slovenská akadémia vied
Keywords: football fans; identity; fandom; rivalry; media

Summary/Abstract: Spartan Aristocracy. The Elite Against all. Identity is formed as individual biography rooted in a social and historical context. Football fan identity is shaped by two dimensions. It is created by affiliation to a particular football club and by the process of defining the boundaries between us and them. This article analyzes the identity of a football fan and labels the particular importance of the football club during its formation. Based on ethnographic research of fans of the AC Sparta football club, the article shows how fan identity is expressed both as an action and symbolic declaration of affiliation with the club. The Spartan is a person who actively and intensively supports the team and creates atmosphere at the football stadium. Moreover, this identity involves a self-concept of elitism despite the existing stigma of Spartan`s football fans. Boundaries defining the others are created in different ways. Sociológia 2014, Vol. 46 (No. 5: 579-598)

  • Issue Year: 46/2014
  • Issue No: 5
  • Page Range: 579-598
  • Page Count: 19
  • Language: Czech
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