Abstract

FREITAS, Clara M. S. M. de. Social classes in society’s performance-show: the view of football fans. Rev. Port. Cien. Desp. [online]. 2005, vol.5, n.3, pp.329-334. ISSN 1645-0523.

This paper sets out to analyze the significance of soccer within the context of social classes. The categories examined in this investigation were based on the contradictions and specific advances of our society, in which we state that football, by producing a complex show governed by simple rules, is a tool or means that enables Pernambuco society to experience a virtual social equality. Two hundred and thirty-four supporters of four clubs (Náutico Capibaribe, Santa Cruz, Sport and Tecnologia de Componentes Automotivos) participated in the present study, which is descriptive in nature. Thus, in order to obtain the data on the situation investigated, an open structured interview was used, that was conducted during the games of the Pernambuco Football Championship. The analysis of the discursive material was made by eliciting the quantitative and qualitative elements indicated in the content analysis. The results presented on the strong enthusiasm for football showed that this enthusiasm is a spectacle of social sharing and reveals a sense of citizenship, since the fans’ passion for football is somewhat validated. Football is thus shown to be one of the richest areas of human passion and manifestation. Therefore, for all the contradictions and class struggles involving the sport of football in the most diverse social, cultural and economic fields; this sport presents itself as an option for the exercise of citizenship in the quest for a modern society in which social relations are supported by the socialization of dialogue and feelings, the significance of which is the narrowing of the existing gap between the social classes in today’s society.

Keywords : significance of sport; social classes; fans; socialization of feelings.

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