Irish language education and the national ideal: the dynamics of nationalism inNorthernIreland

Abstract

AbstractSince the beginning of theNorthernIreland conflict in the late 1960s,Irish nationalism has been identified as a prominent force in the political culture of the state. Recent studies have suggested, however, that the ‘Nationalist’ population has become increasingly content within the new political framework created by the peace process and the aspiration for Irish unity diminished. In placing theNorthernIreland situation within the theoretical framework of nationalism, this paper will analyse how these changing priorities have been possible. Through an analysis ofIrish language study inNorthernIreland's schools, the paper will examine how the political ideals espoused by the nationalistSinnFéin Party reflected the priorities of the ‘nationalist community’. It will be contended that the relationship between the ideology and ‘the people’ is much more complex than is often allowed for and that educational inequalities are a significant contributing factor to this.