When social norms get the boot : a study of crowd behaviour among League of Ireland football supporters

Authors

Leahy, Mark

Issue Date

2014

Degree

BA (Hons) in Social Science

Publisher

Dublin Business School

Rights

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Abstract

The aim of this research project is to investigate how the experience of being part of a football crowd can influence the behaviour and identity of League of Ireland football supporters. The research was carried out using qualitative research methods and thematic analysis. Data was gathered for this study through the semi-structured interviews of four participants and also through ethnographic field research. Data was collected on a voice recorder and analysed through Nvivo software. The results of the research found that while in attendance of live matches, the identity and behaviour of League of Ireland supporters can be impacted by the occasion of match-day, fan rivalry and the influence of the crowd.