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.

About the Author
Daniel L. Wann is Distinguished Professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychology at Murray State University. Jeffrey D. James is the Mode L. Stone Distinguished Professor of Sport Management in the Department of Sport Management at Florida State University, and also Chair of the department.

Reviews

"Written by the A-Team of sport fandom researchers, Dan Wann and Jeff James, Sport Fans: The Psychology and Social Impact of Fandom reviews and discusses the importance of the most current research from psychology, marketing, history, sociology, and religious studies examining those rabid followers of sport teams. This book is a must read for anyone who has ever wondered, 'Why do those sport fans act so crazy?' Sport Fans will hold an honored place on my bookshelf and is a resource I will use often in my work." - Rick Grieve, Western Kentucky University, USA

Book Information
ISBN 9781138683167
Author Daniel L. Wann
Format Paperback
Page Count 304
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 430g