Henri Tajfel Social Identity Theory

The relation between sport teams and the loyalty expressed amongst its spectators can be viewed through the lenses of Henri Tajfel social identity theory. Tajfel’s theory outlines mental processes that individuals undergo in identifying oneself within a group, as “we”, and categorizing those that are not associated with the primary team as “them”. Due to the broad innate nature of Tajfel’s social identity theory it allows for it to be utilized as a method of research to understand the social interactions that occur in society. Therefore, social identity can be observed and analyzed on sport teams and athletic affiliation—primarily the ramification within the market place germane to sport teams. In relation to sport teams and fans, Tajfel’s

The theory describes that individuals favor people that share similar interests and beliefs, “ingroup”, and discriminate those in the “outgroup”, diverging views—discussing how one categorizes themselves but simultaneously criticizes others (Tajfel, 1979, p. 188). Therefore, certain behaviors are acceptable for each category and in turn create divisions in society. These divisions that arise begin to change the mentality and outlook of individuals creating a false identity in order to be integrated and accepted in the group. Certain behaviors are acceptable for each category and this creates division in society. Within these categories, people begin to adopt an identity. People start to assimilate to the actions and identity of their “ingroup”. Finally, individuals are favorable to their group and can be negative to others in order to maintain a stature of prestige (Tajfel, 1979, p. 184). Tajfel’s social identity theory can be examined in different sports atmospheres—fans falling into certain “in” and “out groups, becoming subject to

The article discusses how individuals who root for teams based on nationalistic ties deepens and increases national pride through sport affiliations. Teams utilize social identify to engage their fans. They market their team to represent the nation so fans equate the team to nationalism (Bogdanov, 2011, p. 4). This displays how sports teams use the social identity theory in order to market their team and make profit—correlating the foundation of social identity theory in relation to specific sport team affiliations based on national roots. Bogdanov says that people that are from a certain country is more likely to root for their countries team because of similarity and comfort. A world experienced event that undergos Bogdanov theory is during the Olymipics when spectators support their nations team due to the obligation they have based on their nationalistic ties. Therefore, during the Olympics when teams loss it takes a heavy toll on the nation rather than specific individuals because the loss is taken as a failure for the whole country. Bogdanov also argues that individuals become psychologically attached to a team. This psychological attachment heightens the emotions fans feel when their team wins and loses (Bogdanov, 2011, p. 10). Therefore, rather than simply taking the outcome of the games at face