Paradigmatic model for female spectators' presence in football stadiums in Iran

Abstract

Nowadays, football has become a social phenomenon that has attracted a large number of fans. The purpose of this study was to present a paradigmatic model for the presence of female spectators in Iranian football stadiums. The study was done by qualitative research method using a data-based theory approach. Theoretical saturation was achieved by snowball sampling. Fourteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with university professors and football professionals. Validity and reliability of the data were determined by two methods of review by the researchers and review of non-participating experts in the study. The results of data analysis in three stages of open coding, axial coding, and selective coding led to 12 main concepts that were included in the final model: individual and legal factors as causal factors, Infrastructure and planning factors as contextual conditions, political factors as intervening factors and controlled presence was suggested a proper way to normalize the presence of women in football stadiums. Given the model presented, increased behavioral and ethical security in stadiums, development of football industry marketing, cultural growth of spectators, and increased quality of football matches in Iran can be viewed as positive outcomes of women’s presence in football stadiums.

Keywords

• female
• spectator
• paradigmatic model
• stadium
• football