This book draws upon a relational sociological paradigm to explore the processes of collective action in football fandom across Europe and the UK. Through a range of case studies, the authors address pertinent themes in football fandom, including anti-discrimination, 'home,' ticketing, name changes, 'ownership,' and broader leftist politics. Each of these case studies engages with the theoretical framework of cultural relational sociology, highlighting the different social and cultural changes English and European football has undergone, often over a very short period of time.

Provides much-needed empirical analysis in the field of relational sociology Includes qualitative fieldwork such as interviews and observations Explores digital aspects of football fandom and relational sociology

Autorentext

Jamie Cleland is Senior Lecturer in Sport and Management at the University of South Australia, Australia.
Mark Doidge is Senior Research Fellow at the University of Brighton, UK.
Peter Millward is Reader in Sociology at Liverpool John Moores University, UK.
Paul Widdop is Senior Research Fellow at Leeds Beckett University, UK.

Inhalt

1. Relational Sociology, Collective Action, and Football Fandom.- 2. The Touchstones for Understanding Football Fans' Collective Actions: A Primer in Cultural Relational Sociology.- 3. Friendships, Community Ties, and Non-league Fandom: Opting 'Out' from the Commercialization of the Premier League and 'In' to Leftist Political Scenes.- 4. 'Bringing City Home': Coventry City, Sisu Capital, and the Ricoh Arena.- 5. Supporters' Trusts as Collective Action: Swansea City in Focus.- 6. Ticket Prices Campaigns, Urban Space, and Twitter: Social Networks and Storied Connections.- 7. Football Supporters Across Europe: Cooperation and Solidarities in Networks of Fan Movements.- 8. Conclusion: Connections More Than Matter!Relational Understandings of Football Fans' Collective Actions.