Globalization, Identity and ‘Ireland’

Abstract

The recent upsurge of interest in the so-called ‘Celtic Tiger’ has produced some reflection on the greatly increased cultural confidence in the Ireland of the 1990s. There seems to be an implicit connection drawn between increased economic performance and greater cultural self-confidence. While this thesis is on the surface plausible, this chapter prefers to address the culture of the Celtic Tiger from the perspective of globalization. This chapter thus approaches the new ‘Ireland’ through an analysis of globalization and identity. The current international popularity of Irish music, dance, film and pubs has led some observers to detect a new Celtic cultural revival. This apparently contradicts the notion of cultural globalization as a new form of cultural imperialism that enfeebles national identity. Yet it is quite unclear what ‘Ireland’ is being spoken about in this new discursive terrain. Which Irish ‘identity’ is being (re)created in this new cauldron of globalization and hybridity in particular? We need to critically deconstruct what is meant by ‘Irish identity’. The Irish example, in its hybridity (part European, part ‘developing’ and part postcolonial) and its liminality, provides an interesting case study. This chapter sets out to provide a more critical and self-critical perspective than that provided by those who see the cultural revival as mere superstructural reflection of the so-called Celtic Tiger, which views the transnational tourist spots as uncritically as does the casual European weekend visitor.KeywordsNational IdentityEuropean Economic CommunityCultural GlobalizationCultural ImperialismIrish PeopleThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.