Yining Ding, BA’22: Studying the Mass Psychology of Soccer Culture
Yining Ding ‘22, a cognitive studies major, a minor in German studies and computer science, and a resident of the German Hall at McTyeire International House, traveled to England with her professors and classmates in spring 2021 in order to study the chanting behavior of soccer fans.
There, she visited several soccer stadiums and museums and got to attend an FA Cup game, where she observed how the chanting of fans evolves in order to synchronize with what is happening on the pitch. Along with her class, Ding talked to many different people, including hardcore soccer fans, stadium volunteers, and reporters from sports media, in order to hear their personal stories about soccer.
“I not only collected some first-hand materials for my [Immersion] project, but I also gained a more comprehensive understanding about soccer and soccer fan culture in England,” Ying said.
Ding is both a choir singer and a soccer lover–hence her attraction to fans’ “vibrant” singing. She is especially interested in the way soccer chants provide a window into the mass psychology of Europeans’ passion for soccer and the cultural impact of that passion.
Ding is currently completing an audio-visual project based on her research experience to complete her Immersion requirement.