JOURNAL ARTICLE

Becoming a Nationalist Activist: Exploring Biographical Paths of Polish Football Fans.

  • Published In: Sociology, 2024, v. 58, n. 2. P. 437 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Grodecki, Mateusz; Rura, Przemysław 3 of 3

Abstract

The article examines the biographical processes through which Polish football supporters become nationalist activists, using Thomas and Znaniecki's theory of social becoming to analyze autobiographical interviews with 35 activists from supporter groups of 23 clubs. It identifies three distinct patterns of becoming nationalist activists—keepers, the awakened, and followers—all rooted in a national-martyrological attitude that centers on the memory of Polish victimhood and resistance. The study highlights how the supporter environment transforms this attitude into activism through internal social mechanisms and organizational opportunities, illustrating bottom–up nationalism's reproduction within football fan culture. Methodologically, the biographical approach bridges individual agency and social structure, offering insights into the evolution of nationalist activism beyond formal political engagement.

Additional Information

  • Source:Sociology. 2024/04, Vol. 58, Issue 2, p437
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:History
  • Publication Date:2024
  • ISSN:0038-0385
  • DOI:10.1177/00380385231184790
  • Accession Number:176034871
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Sociology is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Looking to go deeper into this topic? Look for more articles on EBSCOhost.