Aggression in Soccer Fan’s: A Test of Akers’ Social Learning Theory

ABSTRACT

Aggression involving sports fans has long been acknowledged, however it is only recently that researchers have applied criminological theory to gain a better understanding of the behavior. The current study employs Social Learning Theory as a means of understanding how deviant behavior is influenced by differential association, differential reinforcement, imitation, and definitions in the context of sports fans. Survey data from 372 soccer fans attending a stadium event in Iran was used to assess verbal and physical aggression. Structural Equation Modeling was utilized to model the direct and indirect effects of social learning theory. Findings indicate that marriage status (β = −.10, p =.05), age (β = −.11, p =.05), education (β = −.11, p =.05), differential associations (β =.24, p =.01), differential reinforcements (β =.21, p =.01), imitation (β =.17, p =.05), and definitions (β =.23, p =.01) have a direct effect on fans’ aggressive behaviors. The model accounted for 44% of the variance in fans' aggression behaviors, 12% of the variance in differential reinforcements, 28% of the variance in definitions, and 16% of the variance in imitation. This indicates that fans who observe the aggressive behavior of others that they respect are more likely to engage in verbal or physical aggression. Policy implications include efforts by sports clubs to encourage and educate appropriate behavior patterns via the leaders of fan groups.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Mr. Luke O’Dwyer for his insightful comments and edits.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Saeed Kabiri

Saeed Kabiri earned his master’s degree in Sociology at University of Guillan (2012) and also earned his PhD degree in social problems of Iran at University of Mazandaran (2017). He has published several papers about the sociology and criminology of sports. His current research interests involve sport criminology. Kabiri’s recent research has been published in multiple peer-reviewed journals such as Deviant Behavior, International Journal of Cyber Criminology, Journal of Drug Issues, and the International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology.

Seyyedeh Masoomeh (Shamila) Shadmanfaat earned her master’s degree in Sociology at University of Guillan (2016) has published several papers about sociology and criminology of sport with a focus on gender differences. Her current research interests involve Gender sport criminology. Shadmanfaat’s recent research has been published in multiple peer-reviewed journals such as Deviant Behavior, International Journal of Cyber Criminology, Journal of Drug Issues, and the International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology.

Hayden Smith is an Associate Professor of Criminology & Criminal Justice at the University of South Carolina. Dr. Smith area of interest centers on inmates with mental illness, self-injurious behaviors and the health and wellness of correctional officers. He has published over 60 peer-reviewed articles, book and technical report on these topics and others.

John K. Cochran is Professor and Chair of Criminology at the University of South Florida. Professor Cochran earned his Ph.D. in Sociology at the University of Florida (1987). He has over 130 peer-reviewed manuscripts most of which involve tests of micro-social theories of criminal behavior and macro-social theories of crime and crime control. His current research interests involve tests of micro-social theories of criminal behavior. He is also continuing his work on issues associated with the death penalty.