Identity Crossbreeding in Soccer Fan Groups: A Social Approach. The Case of Marseille (France)

Abstract

The object of this investigation was to clarify certain mechanisms of identity categorization by studying, from a sociohistorical and psychological perspective, two groups of soccer fans from the city of Marseille. Through this pluralistic social approach, a more precise differentiation of the types of identity construction for both groups was able to be determined. Each type is the product of identity crossbreeding, dependant on specific social, historical and psychological factors. The “Commando Ultra” (“CU”) group develops a conservative attitude in that its national culture becomes a reference criterion for ethnocentric fans. The fan group, “South Winners” (“SW”) develops a syncretistic attitude for regional fans who defend the multicultural identity of Marseille.