Generational Change and Redefining Identities: Post-Conflict Peacebuilding in Northern Ireland

Abstract

This paper focuses on how peacebuilding in Northern Ireland is a slow process based primarily on generational replacement. Because Northern Ireland did not experience a Truth and Reconciliation Commission or a formal process of reconciling those who experienced “The Troubles,” older cohorts have not redefined their identities or are as likely to change their identities as younger cohorts. However, especially among Protestants, there is evidence of significant generational differences in identity emerging in Northern Ireland. This paper will highlight how the peace process itself counted on this process of intergenerational change in Northern Ireland and how it offers the best hope for transforming historically sectarian conceptions of identity into less reactionary or hostile identities that open up aspirations for new relations across the sectarian divide in Northern Ireland. Thus, the slow process of reconciliation may accelerate in future decades and residual support that continues to exist for republican dissidents and loyalist paramilitaries slowly dissipate over time. Of course, many potential intervening events (i.e. period effects) could overwhelm this slow process of social and identity change in Northern Ireland.