Northern Ireland: Sectarianism, Civil Society and Democratic Deepening

Abstract

The main aim of this chapter is to provide an overview and evaluation of evidence of efforts at peace-building at the level of civil society (rather than political processes, where most analyses have focused) in Northern Ireland, particularly since the Good Friday Agreement (GFA) of 1998. How successful have attempts, at the level of civil society, by the people of Northern Ireland, the Irish and British governments, the EU and US governments and other actors been in creating community cohesion in a society with a long history of social and political division? In particular, what has been the role of cross-community and religious groups in these efforts? A second aim is to begin to articulate this distinctive situation with the other case studies in the book, considering some of the factors found or considered to be salient to social integration there, prior to fuller reflection in the concluding chapter. These factors include segregation and contact, the role of the media, the recognition of religion, contentions over multiculturalism and immigration, the emergence of post-liberal politics and the form and extent of cultural trauma.