The effects of social identity on the intergroup behaviour and mentalities of Maltese football supporters

Abstract

When football supporters develop a connection with their favourite team they are more likely to engage in ingroup favouritism which guides the individual towards the formation of a social identity through attachment and group membership. This aim of this research study is to explore how gender, age and mentalities may or may not influence the process of social identification and rivalry in local football support. The sample size was that of 132 participants in all. Data was collected through the use of a questionnaire which consisted of four sections, which include: demographic questions, the Sport Spectator Identification Scale, the Sports Rivalry Fan Perception Scale, and mentality statements. This research study explored age and gender differences in the perceptions of team rivalry and the levels of team identification, the relationship between mentalities and team identification levels, and the relationship between mentalities and perceptions of team rivalry. Gender and age differences were present in the levels of team identification, but no age or gender differences when it came to the perceptions of rivalry. No significant relationships were found between both of the scales and different mentalities. Findings demonstrated that identification with a football team is not a personal inclination, but it may have been influenced primarily by the family. Recommendations for future research would be to study football supporters of bigger football clubs who are more likely to demonstrate rivalry, to look at rivalries which occur in other sports, to carry out qualitative research with fans to gain a deeper insight on what variables might be at play in the manifestation of rivalry, and conducting research from a crowd psychology perspective to identify attitudes which may be present in football support.