Post six - masculinity in sport.

This week’s guest lecture concerned representations of masculinity (or masculinities) in sport. It discussed the generational diffusion of aggressive masculinity amongst supporters, resulting in a dissection of the lecturer’s own research into the phenomena of ‘hooliganism’ amongst football/soccer fans.

Whilst noting the issue is complex, and shaped by differing aspects of social, cultural and historical circumstance, Spaiij identifies six features he believes are “universal to the construction of ‘hooligan’ identities” (p. 369).

-       Excitement and pleasurable emotional arousal

         (thrill of enacting violence)

-       Hard masculinity

   (tied to heteronormative presumptions; performing physical prowess)

-       Territorial identifications

   (between groups, and groups and police; public space both physical and signified)

-       Individual and collective management of reputation

   (of team, group and individual; prestige, honour, status)

-       A sense of solidarity and belonging

   (within groups; romantic vigilance of network maintenance)

-       Representations of sovereignty and autonomy

   (other loyalties presented, eg. nationalist tshirt slogans)

Spaaij notes the construction of collective identity amongst hooligan groups hinges on the emphasis of “minor but nevertheless fundamentally perceived differences” (p. 372) between differing groups. This is despite common interests between the groups (ie. the game itself), and differences within the differing groups (ie. age, ethnicity etc). An informal code of behaviour, or honour attainment, is adhered to within groups, and whilst not being explicit, can be challenged by individuals of ‘greater status’ amongst a group (p. 374).

The “symbolic opposition and ritualized aggression” (p. 387) performed by these groups underpins the ‘interdependence’ they require of each other in enacting these behaviours. Spaiij also notes ‘bluffing’, and ‘parading’ are essential elements of hooliganism, with the aim of achieving the same end without resorting to physical violence (p. 387).

A romanticized image of hooliganism has begun to pervade popular culture, with clothing labels, films and books reflecting and reinforcing these actions beyond niche pockets of extreme supporter behaviour.

Reference

Spaaij, R 2008, ‘Men Like Us, Boys Like Them: Violence, Masculinity, and Collective Identity in Football Hooliganism’, Journal of Sport and Social Issues, vol. 32, no. 4, pp. 369-392.