Giannis Zaimakis

Giannis Zaimakis was born in Alagni, Heraklion, Crete. He is a professor of Sociology of Culture and Local Societies and the director of the Laboratory of Social Analysis and Applied Social Research in the Department of Sociology at the University of Crete. He is a member of the Academic Supervision Committee for the Master's Program "Sports Studies: Sociology, History, Anthropology" at the Hellenic Open University. He has worked in state radio and in the Planning/Development and Culture Departments of the Heraklion Prefecture Administration. His literary works include the books: "Thriving Haunts: Deviance and Cultural Creation in Lakkos, Heraklion" (Athens: Plethron, 1999), "Community Work and Local Societies: Development, Collective Action, Multiculturalism" (Athens: Plethron, 2010 [2002]), "Local Space and Multiculturalism: Sapes, Thrace" (co-authored with Th. Kallinikaki) (Athens: Hellenic Letters, 2004), "Social Protection Networks: Forms of Intervention in Vulnerable Groups and Multicultural Communities" (co-edited with A. Kandylaki) (Athens: Kritiki, 2005), "Ergotelis 1929-2009: Mosaics of the Athletic and Social History of a Progressive Club" (Athens: Alexandria, 2010), "Football and Fan Communities: Rivalries and Identity Politics" (co-edited with N. Kotaridis) (Athens: Plethron, 2013), "Society and Sports in Greece: Historical and Sociological Approaches" (co-edited with E. Fournaraki) (Athens: Alexandria, 2015). His articles have been published in collective volumes and in Greek and international scientific journals. His research and academic activities focus on the social history of sports, youth and fan cultures, musical identities and rebetiko songs, local social transformation, and multiculturalism.