Publication Date

2017

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Ferris, Kerry O.

Degree Name

M.A. (Master of Arts)

Legacy Department

Department of Sociology

LCSH

Sociology; Social structure

Abstract

This thesis examines the function of shared performances of enthusiasm within the North American anime fandom beyond simple shared interests. Specifically, it analyzes how these performances foster the creation, solidification, and dismissal of complex social cohesion within the greater fandom. The researcher made use of in-depth interviews at both an anime convention and university anime club, with an additional observation period of the club to supplement the primary method. It was found that fans experience and perform enthusiasm displays in three primary ways, each with its own properties. These expressions of enthusiasm represent social cohesion beyond incidental grouping based on mere shared interests. The researcher hopes that further studies on fandom could focus more upon why fans work themselves into these groupings, and hopes that this project may facilitate such research.

Comments

Advisors: Kerry O. Ferris.||Committee members: Diane Rodgers; Carol Walther.||Includes bibliographical references.

Extent

49 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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