Hooligans, Ultras, Activists: Polish Football Fandom in Sociological Perspective

This book explores the deeper causes that have shaped contemporary behavior patterns and motivations among football fans in Poland, based on ethnographic fieldwork, content analysis, and qualitative interviews. It provides a detailed analysis of Polish fandoms multi-dimensional structure and their evolution from the 1970s to the 21st century, making it of interest to students and academics in football research, Central and Eastern Europe, and European Studies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 249 pages
Publication date: 01 November 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book makes a groundbreaking attempt to unravel the underlying factors that have shaped contemporary behavior patterns and motivations among football fans in Poland. For a long time, the fan culture in Poland has been characterized by a strong sense of grassroots, spontaneous movements that have shunned any cooperation with local authorities and sports organizations. The activities of supporter groups have often flouted the principles set by official bodies, intentionally violating the moral and legal standards of the day.

To delve into the intricacies of fandom culture in Poland, the book draws upon a wealth of data obtained through ethnographic fieldwork, content analysis of fan journals, magazines, social media, and online forums, as well as a series of qualitative interviews conducted over the years. This extensive research provides a deep insight into the evolution of Polish fandoms, spanning from their modest beginnings in the shadows of a communist regime in the 1970s to the unique culture characterized by strong cohesion, social mobilization capabilities, and an emerging resistance identity in the 21st century.

The book meticulously analyzes the multi-dimensional structure of Polish fandoms, offering a detailed account of their various aspects. It is a valuable resource for students and academics interested in the expanding field of football research, as well as those exploring the transformation of Central and Eastern Europe or more broadly, European Studies. By shedding light on the complex dynamics and cultural significance of football fandom in Poland, this book contributes to our understanding of sports culture and fan behavior in a global context.

Weight: 364g
Dimension: 148 x 208 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030566098
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021