One of the boys: female fans’ responses to the masculine and phallocentric nature of football stadiums in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Studies of football fandom from across the world all highlight masculine and misogynistic tendencies amongst the fans, players and administrators who populate football stadiums. Domination of men's football spaces by men makes stadiums hostile environments for women who are often physically and verbally abused. This paper outlines the experiences of female fans who attend matches in Zimbabwe. It provides a nuanced analysis of female fans’ responses to the masculine and phallocentric nature of the football stadium. In Zimbabwe female fans are increasing in number, challenging the dominant belief that stadiums are no-go areas for women. Using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 40 female fans, the paper highlights how women react, negotiate and respond to misogynistic and vulgar songs and chants. This research in Zimbabwe brings to the fore the voices of female fans and how they construct the stadium experience. The paper draws from in-depth interviews and focus group discussions to highlight how female fans cope with masculine nature of stadiums. Women use various strategies such as joining in the singing, remaining oblivious, sitting in quieter parts of the stadium and responding to abusers.