Spanish Football and Social Change

By: Ramón Llopis-Goig

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Synopsis: In the past few decades, Spanish football has undergone a significant transformation, both on and off the pitch. While impressive victories in international tournaments have moved the national team beyond its traditional weaknesses, there has been a rise of violent groups, vandalism and outbreaks of racism and xenophobia in the stadiums. Llopis-Goig analyses these trends, questioning the role of football in contemporary Spanish culture and the historical reasons for its social hegemony. From the transformation of the football clubs into companies and the hyperconsumption of football to the origin and evolution of the Spanish Fury and mechanisms for reproducing hegemonic masculinity, Spanish Football and Social Change explores the main traits of Spanish football culture from a sociological perspective. Fans views of these changes are examined throughout, as are the influences of regional and national identities. Providing an in-depth sociological analysis of football's impact on Spanish society, this book will appeal to Sociologists, Historians and anyone with an interest in football.