FOOTBALL, VULNERABLE NEIGHBORHOODS AND CRIME – A LIFESTYLE : A DANISH STUDY ON SOCIAL BONDING FROM AMATEURE FOOTBALLERS’ PERSPECTIVE

Abstract: The paper focuses on investigating the relationship between lifestyle and crime in vulnerable neighborhoods. To be more specific, the project will look at how football has an influence on people who live near a criminogenic environment. In addition, other factors from everyday life are also considered to evaluate the social bond of individuals. In the project, an online survey will be conducted. The survey will ask about participant’s experiences at the football club, educational institution and/or workplace, home, weekends, and the streets. Additionally, questions about crime within the participant’s whereabouts will be inquired in the survey. Thereafter, the participants (N=84) will be divided in two groups – participants living in/near vulnerable neighborhoods and those who do not. A quantitative analysis will examine the commitment, attachment, involvement, and belief of individuals and if structured activities are developing a resilience towards criminal environments, behaviors, and ideals. In result, the project discovers that a risky lifestyle is associated with peer relationship, parental bond, alcohol use and the belief and importance of work.