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Fandom as an object and method of political studies

Nim E.G.,

HSE University, Moscow, Russia, nimeg@mail.ru

ORCID: 0000-0001-7349-9429 | RESEARCHER_ID: L-1126-2015

Article received: 2025.06.09 20:59. Accepted: 2025.11.22 20:59


DOI: 10.17976/jpps/2026.03.12
EDN: TNLTHM

Rubric: Theory and methodology of political studies

For citation:

Nim E.G. Fandom as an object and method of political studies. – Polis. Political Studies. 2026. No. 3. https://doi.org/10.17976/jpps/2026.03.12. EDN: TNLTHM (In Russ.)

Abstract

The article addresses the relationship between politics and fan culture. It examines, in particular: (1) how fan communities that have emerged around objects of popular culture can become politicized, acquiring features of political movements; and (2) how fandomization of politics and the transfer of fan practices into the sphere of political communication occur. In the former case, media fandoms appear as an object of study for political science, while in the latter case, they appear as a theoretical lens for analyzing the processes of fandomization of politics. Studies of political manifestations of fan culture focus on the phenomenon of fan citizenship and activism, the relationship between fan and political preferences, the hierarchy of power and the so-called “morality police” within fan communities themselves, as well as the influence of the political regimes on fan activity. Contrary to the rather widespread notion of the apolitical nature of fan culture, this sphere offers numerous avenues for political research. In turn, the concepts of fandom (and anti-fandom) allow for a deeper understanding of the processes of transforming politicians, parties, and politics itself into fan objects, as well as of the accompanying affective practices characteristic of modern political discussions and movements. Although the figure of the fan remains problematic for politics as a sphere of rational communication, the processes of celebrityization and fandomization of the political are becoming increasingly visible and intense. The author also notes a certain politicization of fan studies themselves and the prospects of turning to fandom to expand both the subject field and methodology of political science.

Keywords

fandom, fan culture, politicization of fandoms, fandomization of politics.

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