Identification (biology)

Physics

Sociology

Identity (music)

National identity

Biology

Politics

Ethnic group

Political science

Psychology

Acoustics

Chemistry

CLARITY

National consciousness

Pride

Affection

Botany

Biochemistry

Social psychology

Sport in Society

It is commonly assumed that sport plays an important role for national identity. However, empirical research has primarily focused on sport's role for emotional-affectice rather than cognitive aspects of national identity. Therefore, research presented here explores whether identification with the German national soccer team serves to reinforce ethnic or civic conceptions of national identity. Analyses of a unique dataset conducted during the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 EURO show that national team identification is an important determinant of national pride and national belonging. Respondents who identify with the national soccer team can adhere to different conceptions of national identity. It seems that national pride and affection as well as conceptions of national identity represent stable attitudes not affected by the success of the national team. Further research should improve conceptual clarity and measurement.

Fan identification and national identity