Why Do Koreans Love Ethnic Players in the MLB? A Focus on Ethnic Identity and Player Identification

Abstract

Asians hold a collectivistic culture, and they feel attachment to people who have the same ethnic background. This study explored how roles of ethnic identity influenced fan behaviors of Korean audiences toward Hyun-jin Ryu, the Korean Major League Baseball player. The results showed that ethnic identity influenced player identification, which led to attitudes toward the L.A. Dodgers. Congruence mediated the relationship between ethnic identity and player identification. It is also found that transportation mediated the relationship between player identification and attitudes toward the L.A. Dodgers. These results provide a cultural explanation of fan behaviors of ethnic players. Managerial implications can also be found.

Perceived Discrimination at School and Developmental Outcomes among Bai Adolescents: The Mediating Roles of Self-Esteem and Ethnic Identity

“…In particular, if adolescents are discriminated against, then they may internalise others’ negative appraisals of them and develop a negative self-concept, which may adversely affect their developmental outcomes. At the same time, social identity theory indicates that ethnic identity, defined as the part of an individual’s self-concept deriving from membership in an ethnic group together with that membership’s value and emotional significance [ 18 , 19 ], may mediate the relationship between ethnic minority adolescents’ ethnic discrimination and developmental outcomes [ 20 ]. Despite theories shedding light on the mechanisms of perceived academic discrimination and ethnic discrimination on adolescents’ developmental outcomes, empirical studies testing potential mediators in those relationships (e.g., self-esteem and ethnic identity) have been few, especially among ethnic minority adolescents in mainland China.…”

Effects of country animosity of angry Koreans on Japan: A focus on export regulation on Korea

“…Ethnic identity involves a sense of belonging to one's own group, clear comprehension of membership's meaning, positive attitudes toward one's own group, familiarity with the group's culture and history, and participation in its practices (Phinney et al, 1994 ). In the research of Jun et al ( 2021 ), the ethnic identity of Koreans is viewed as a cultural orientation toward Korean identity. Also, the ethnic identity of Koreans can be summarized as a community spirit that values more community interests than individual ones (Lee and Park, 2017 ).…”

“…Ethnicity, being a constant factor leads to conflict (Schlee, 2008 ), and as a consequence, animosity; thereby, ethnic identity is assumed as a significant source of animosity (Al Ganideh and Elahee, 2018 ). Besides, Korean people exhibit a unique ethnic identity, which may be derived from cultural values held by Koreans (Jun et al, 2021 ). One of the typical characteristics of Korean ethnic identity is the community spirit that places community interests above the needs of individuals (Lee and Park, 2017 ).…”