1- Urmia University
2- Urmia University ,mm.kashef@urmia.ac.ir
2- Urmia University ,
Abstract: (77 Views)
The present study aimed to examine the differences and similarities between men and women in the factors shaping identity with Iranian football clubs, based on the psychological continuum model. To this end, 31 in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with two groups of Iranian male and female football fans, analyzed through content analysis grounded in the psychological continuum model. Data analysis was carried out through three stages of coding—open codes, categories, and themes—until distinct and meaningful themes emerged. The findings indicated that, according to the psychological continuum model, men and women differ in the three stages of awareness, attachment, and loyalty, whereas their similarities were most evident in the attraction stage. Despite some commonalities in identity formation between male and female fans, the study found that women’s fandom discourse in Iran has yet to be recognized as a professional and legitimate phenomenon. The greater emphasis by women on the awareness stage suggests that their knowledge of football and their favorite team is still in the process of formation.
Type of Study: Applicable |
Subject:
sport management
Received: 2025/08/16 | Accepted: 2025/12/27 | ePublished ahead of print: 2025/12/27
Received: 2025/08/16 | Accepted: 2025/12/27 | ePublished ahead of print: 2025/12/27
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