Basking in Reflected Glory and Blasting : Differences in identity management strategies between two groups of highly identified soccer fans

Abstract : This study examines in soccer fanzine two identity management strategies - BIRGing and blasting -- of two groups of highly identified soccer fans with allegiance to the same team. Results showed strong support for the BIRG phenomenon among both ultra fans groups but little evidence of the blasting phenomenon among either group. The implications of these findings are discussed in regards to social identity management among sport fans.