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Start Date
23-6-2022 12:00 AM
End Date
23-6-2022 12:00 AM
Abstract
This study examines Game of Thrones transnational fans’ experience and their access to practices of fandom depending on the place they live in and the language they speak. It looks at Game of Thrones fandom by language rather than nationality. This methodological choice ties in with the theoretical-methodological point made by Beck (2005) that in a globalized world it may be more appropriate to discard methodological nationalism. This work includes fans who speak English, Spanish or French. These three languages represent some of the most spoken languages in the world, thus allowing me to consider fandom in a more global context. For this research, I relied on a mixed methodology combining the three main research methods employed in fan studies: ethnography, interviews and online questionnaires. These methodologies have led to a rich and complex set of data composed of ethnographic fieldnotes, visual and textual analysis, 1954 surveys answered by fans and 103 interviews of fans and industry professionals.
The results from this study confirm the idea of fandom as part of a globalisation process. Indeed, fan practices related to Game of Thrones are similar in most places. What truly differentiates fans’ experiences is access. Fans lack equal access to experiences depending on the place they reside, but also on their socio-economic status and on the cultural acceptability of fandom where they live. Therefore, this work shows that despite being a globalised phenomenon, fandom doesn’t erase physical, cultural and economic borders.
Breaking the wheel? Globalisation and Access in Game of Thrones Transnational Fans’ Experience
This study examines Game of Thrones transnational fans’ experience and their access to practices of fandom depending on the place they live in and the language they speak. It looks at Game of Thrones fandom by language rather than nationality. This methodological choice ties in with the theoretical-methodological point made by Beck (2005) that in a globalized world it may be more appropriate to discard methodological nationalism. This work includes fans who speak English, Spanish or French. These three languages represent some of the most spoken languages in the world, thus allowing me to consider fandom in a more global context. For this research, I relied on a mixed methodology combining the three main research methods employed in fan studies: ethnography, interviews and online questionnaires. These methodologies have led to a rich and complex set of data composed of ethnographic fieldnotes, visual and textual analysis, 1954 surveys answered by fans and 103 interviews of fans and industry professionals.
The results from this study confirm the idea of fandom as part of a globalisation process. Indeed, fan practices related to Game of Thrones are similar in most places. What truly differentiates fans’ experiences is access. Fans lack equal access to experiences depending on the place they reside, but also on their socio-economic status and on the cultural acceptability of fandom where they live. Therefore, this work shows that despite being a globalised phenomenon, fandom doesn’t erase physical, cultural and economic borders.
Bio
Julie Escurignan is a Lecturer in Communication Studies at Sorbonne Paris Nord University and a Doctoral Researcher in Film and Television Studies at the University of Roehampton, London. She holds a MA in Communication Studies from the Sorbonne University, has conducted research at doctoral level at the University of Texas at Austin and at the University of Nordland, Norway, and has worked for NBC Universal International. She researches television series’ fandoms, and particularly transnational fans as well as material practices of fandom. Her thesis looks at the material experience of Game of Thrones transnational fans. She is the author of several book chapters on television hits such as Game of Thrones and Black Mirror.