Publisher's Synopsis
Sports, and the fans that follow them, are everywhere. Sport Fans: The Psychology and Social Impact of Fandom examines the affective, behavioral, and cognitive reactions of fans to better comprehend how sport impacts individual fans and society as a whole. Using up-to-date research and theory from multiple disciplines including psychology, sociology, marketing, history, and religious studies, this textbook provides a deeper understanding of topics such as:
- the pervasiveness of sport fandom in society
- common demographic and personality characteristics of fans
- how fandom can provide a sense of belonging, of uniqueness, and of meaning in life
- the process of becoming a sport fan
- sport fan consumption
- and the future of sport and the fan experience.
The text also provides a detailed investigation of the darker side of sport fandom, including fan aggression, as well as a critical look at the positive value of fandom for individuals and society.
Sport Fans expertly combines a rigorous level of empirical research and theory in an engaging, accessible format, making this text the essential resource on sport fan behavior.
