"Safety School, Safety School!": BC vs. BU rivalry and social identity theory

If you follow college hockey, you know that one of the most enduring and intense rivalries exists between Boston College and Boston University. In many ways, the fans are just as involved in the competition as the players. The stands are filled with a sea of gold Superfan shirts and masses of red and white jerseys. As fights ensue on the ice, BC and BU fans exchange choice words and gestures and rarely exchange friendly glances. These feisty attitudes have characterized BU vs. BC hockey games for decades. This begs the question, what are the true causes and origins of passionate fandom?

Much research has been conducted related to team affiliation and allegiance, and social identify. Beth Jackobsen, in her literature review, “The Social Psychology of the Creation of a Sports Fan Identity: A Theoretical Review of the Literature,” correlates a multitude of research to provide insight on the culture of fandom. She reveals that fan identity promotes a sense of community and belonging. Accordingly, she sites social identity theory which posits that people will associate themselves with individuals that are similar to themselves. The theory also focuses on the ways people categorize themselves based on social and personal identities. In addition, research indicates that fan formation is influenced by interpersonal and symbolic elements, including family and friends’ socialization effect via team-related clothing, toys, and outdoor play. Research has also revealed a positive association between team victory and college students’ affiliation with university sports. Geographical location is a yet another attribute that has a significant impact on team-affiliations.

Jamie Schlabach, in his article, “In-group, Out-group Bias,” emphasizes how social identify theory and in-group, out-group bias provide an explanation for “in-team” favoritism. In the BC vs. BU rivalry, each side believes their team to be better and, therefore, superior. BC fans chant, “Safety school, safety school!” and "GO EAGLES!" while BU responds with snide remarks regarding BC’s Catholic identity and "GO TERRIERS!" It is undeniable that BC and BU fans alike feel a personal affiliation and sense of belongingness with their teams that will last a lifetime.

I will always be a BC Eagle Superfan!

http://www.athleticinsight.com/Vol5Iss2/FanDevelopment.htm

http://www.units.muohio.edu/psybersite/fans/inoutbias.shtml

http://www.collegehockeynews.com/news/2006/02/08_top10.php