This systematic historical and sociological study of the phenomenon of football hooliganism examines the history of crowd disorderliness at association football matches in Britain and assesses both popular and academic explanations of the problem. The authors’ study starts in the 1880s, when professional football first emerged in its modern form, charting the pre and inter-war periods and revealing that England’s World Cup triumph formed a watershed. The changing social composition of football crowds and the changing class structure of British society is discussed and the genesis of modern football hooliganism is explained by tracing it to the cultural conditions and circumstances which reproduce in young working-class males an interest in a publicly expressed aggressive masculine style.

The roots of football hooliganism: An historical and sociological study

Politics & Social Sciences

Eric Dunning

Social Sciences

Law Book Co of Australasia

First published in 1979, this classic study of the development of rugby from folk game to its modern Union and League forms has become a seminal text in sport history. In a new epilogue the authors provide sociological analysis of the major developments in international ruby that have taken place since 1979, with particular attention to the professionalism that was predicted in the first edition of this text. Sports lovers, rugby fans and students of the history and sociology of sport will find it invaluable.Rugby football is descended from winter 'folk games' which were a deeply rooted tradition in pre-industrial Britain. This was the first book to study the development of Rugby from this folk tradition to the game in its modern forms. The folk forms of football were extremely violent and serious injuries - even death - were a common feature. The game was refined in the public schools who played a crucial role in formulating the rules which required footballers to exercise greater self-control. With the spread of rugby into the wider society, the Rugby Football Union was founded but class tensions led to the split between Rugby Union and Rugby League.  The authors examine the changes that led to the professionalisation of Rugby Union as well as the alleged resurgence of violence in the modern game. 

Barbarians, gentlemen, and players: A sociological study of the development of rugby football

M. Robertson

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Books by Eric Dunning

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Eric Dunning. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

The roots of football hooliganism: An historical and sociological study

Barbarians, gentlemen, and players: A sociological study of the development of rugby football