As “donas” das arquibancadas: o torcer feminino no Rio de Janeiro e a atuação das torcedoras símbolos ao longo do século XX

Abstract

This study investigated the representation of female fans in Rio de Janeiro newspapers throughout the 20th century, focusing on understanding the figure of the female fan. Using an interdisciplinary approach aligned with gender studies, the research sought to understand how these women were portrayed by the press, as well as identify their trajectories, characteristics, and different forms of involvement in the stands. The methodology adopted was a documentary analysis of printed newspapers from different decades available in the Hemeroteca Digital, resulting in a survey of over 100 records on female fans recognized as symbols. The study also sought to reflect on the origins of this emblematic figure in the stands. The data were organized and analyzed in light of categories such as aging, Carnival, religiosity, competitions, and club identity. The results point to a representation marked by ambiguities: although celebrated as icons of passion and loyalty, these fans often had their visibility mediated by gender stereotypes and by limits imposed on women's presence and participation in stadiums, often being remembered only after their death. The dissertation contributes to the debate on football, media and gender by recovering little-known trajectories and proposing new interpretations of the role of women in fan cultures.