Citation

Neville F, Reicher S. Contemp. Soc. Sci. 2011; 6(3): 377-396.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/21582041.2012.627277

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper presents three studies that explore the experience of participating in crowd events. Analysis of semi-structured interviews with football supporters and student demonstrators is used to illustrate the role that shared identity plays in transforming within-crowd social relations (relatedness), and the positive impact this has upon emotionality of collective experience. Questionnaire data collected at a music festival are then used to confirm these claims. The paper argues for a conceptual distinction between shared identity and self-categorisation, and against the contention in classic crowd psychology that a loss of identity is at the root of collective emotion. It concludes by suggesting avenues for future research, including the potential role for collective experience in encouraging future co-action.


Keywords: Soccer