ORGANIZED FAN GROUPS AND THE LOGIC OF VIOLENCE: YOUTH, TERRITORY, AND SOCIAL ANTAGONISM

The article critically examines the social, cultural, and political dynamics that shape organized football fan groups in Brazil, interpreting them as complex expressions of urban youth and the contradictions of contemporary society. It argues that football-related violence is not an isolated phenomenon but a result of structural exclusion, symbolic disputes, and state control over bodies and territories. Grounded in critical theory, urban sociology, and human rights perspectives, the study explores how football becomes a space of belonging, resistance, and identity formation. The analysis reveals that fan groups mirror broader social conflicts, reproducing inequalities while fostering solidarity and collective agency. The paper also discusses the relationship between state repression, poverty criminalization, and peripheral youth culture, emphasizing the role of public policies and media narratives in shaping the notion of the “violent fan.” Ultimately, it advocates for peacebuilding and mediation strategies based on dialogue and recognition, highlighting the transformative and educational potential of organized fan practices.