Author Description

<p>Sports, and the fans that follow them, are everywhere. <i>Sport Fans: The Psychology and Social Impact of Fandom</i> 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:</p> <ul> <li>the pervasiveness of sport fandom in society</li> <li>common demographic and personality characteristics of fans</li> <li>how fandom can provide a sense of belonging, of uniqueness, and of meaning in life</li> <li>the process of becoming a sport fan</li> <li>sport fan consumption</li> <li>and the future of sport and the fan experience.</li> </ul> <p>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.</p> <p><i>Sport Fans</i> 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.</p>