Barcelona SC como un fenómeno social : la pasión colectiva del futbol como expresión de las emociones y la identidad social en Ecuador. Caso de estudio : barra “Sur Oscura”.

Abstract

Football, from all times, goes beyond being a sport; it constitutes a cultural and social phenomenon deeply rooted in the identity of fans, especially in Latin America. The present study aimed to analyze the impact of Barcelona Sporting Club as a social phenomenon in the city of Guayaquil, highlighting its ability to strengthen the collective and emotional identity of its followers. A qualitative methodology was followed, which was based on documentary review, interviews and indirect observation of both sporting events and social networks, which allowed us to capture the perceptions and emotions of the fans of this club. The analysis was carried out from a theoretical perspective related to the construction of social identity, collective emotions and sports marketing, identifying how Barcelona SC has spread within the sports world to the point of becoming a cultural phenomenon. The results of the study show that the relationship between fans and the club goes beyond sports performance, consolidating emotional and social ties, driven by traditions and shared experiences. Furthermore, the SWOT analysis applied to the interviews reflects the club's potential as an agent of social cohesion, despite the institutional challenges and internal dynamics of the organized fan clubs. This study contributes to the understanding of the football phenomenon as a means of identity and belonging, opening new lines of research on the sociocultural impact of sport in Ecuador.