Sunday afternoon social capital: an ethnographic study of the Southern City Jets Club

Abstract

ABSTRACTResearch question: In this study, the authors use social identity and social capital theories to examine how identity forms within communities of displaced sport fans, and how that sense of identity leads to a manifestation of social capital for the participants.Research methods: To answer this question, the principal investigator conducted an ethnographic study with a fan group, over the course of two NFL (National Football League) seasons. She became a member of a small community of New York Jets fans in the southern US that has met in various sports bars throughout the mid-sized city for two decades. Its members are bound together by shared identity as Jets fans, New Yorkers and as members of the club itself.Results/findings: The authors found that the social identity of group members evolved, shifted and led to the development of social capital. It appeared that when the primary focal point of identity shifted from the Jets to the group itself, social capital would manifest itself, and as a consequence, the group was successful at creating, maintaining and distributing social capital like a large extended family would.Implications: These groups may allow individuals new to a geographic location to integrate into their new communities, making these groups effective producers of both bridging and bonding social capital.