Sociodemographic Characteristics and Motives of Youth Membership in Fan Groups – Empirical Research on a Sample of High School Students in Serbia

Abstract

This scientific paper examines the sociodemographic characteristics and motivations of youth membership in organised fan groups in Serbia, viewing them as distinct youth subcultures that serve dual roles – both as a source of identity and togetherness and as a potential generator of violent behaviour. The research was conducted on a representative sample of 3,662 high school students from different regions of Serbia, using a questionnaire that included demographic characteristics, fan preferences, motives for membership, perception of school and social obligations, attitudes towards the leaders of fan groups, as well as experiences with violence and institutions of the system. The results show that 13.8% of the surveyed high school students are actively involved in a fan group, with boys making up the majority (86%). In comparison, the participation of girls is much lower (14%). Compared to their peers who are not members, group members are distinguished by their value orientations – they are more inclined to prioritise the club over school, as well as exhibit a greater degree of involvement in physical conflicts and conflicts with the police.

The motivational structure of membership reveals a multi-layered phenomenon: the most common reason for membership is support for a beloved club (56.7%), followed by the social dimension, which includes socialising and entertainment (22.1%). In comparison, some respondents perceive the fan group as a family or the source of their closest friendships (approximately 11%). Most members report that they joined the group gradually and on their own initiative, through regular monitoring of matches and socialisation in the stands. The influence of family and peers in the initiation process is present, but to a lesser extent. In terms of consequences, the research revealed a strong correlation between membership and violence, with as many as 70.8% of members participating in physical confrontations of a fan nature, compared to 18% of non-members. In addition, members of the groups come into contact with the police and the judiciary significantly more often, which confirms the hypothesis of fan violence as a socially relevant phenomenon.

The discussion of the results sheds light on the ambivalent nature of fan groups. While they represent a source of identity, togetherness and meaning in life for young people, they also carry the risk of deviant behaviour. Theoretically, the findings align with the framework of social identity theory and the concept of identity fusion, which posits that a strong connection between personal and group identities fosters loyalty and a willingness to sacrifice for the group, including potentially violent behaviour. It concludes that membership in fan groups should not be reduced to stereotypes about "problem hooligans", but must be seen as a response of young people to the needs for belonging, self-esteem and social recognition. It is recommended to develop prevention strategies that enable young people to channel their energy and enthusiasm into constructive social activities, while preserving a sense of community and belonging, and minimising destructive behaviour patterns.