How did the gentrification change the English Premier League?

Abstract

English football has changed a lot since the creation of the Premier League, and this is linked to a far-reaching gentrification process. This dissertation examines how this process has influenced the English Premier League (EPL), particularly in relation to changes in the social background of fans.

The dissertation analyses various possible factors of gentrification, such as the development of ticket prices and spectator numbers, as well as media coverage and fan perception. The aim is to determine which factors have the greatest impact on gentrification and how they have changed football in the long term. To do this, the method of qualitative content analysis according to the German educationalist Udo Kuckartz was applied.

The results show that the various factors of gentrification have led to a noticeable change in the social background of the spectators. In this context, reporting plays just as important a role as the analysis of indicators such as increased ticket prices or average attendance figures since the founding of the Premier League. This in turn provides information about possible future developments in the Premier League and raises important questions about the sustainability of modern football.