Racism in Northern Irish Society
Q. Racism in Ireland and Northern Ireland is on the rise. Critically assess the explanations for this rise in either Ireland or Northern Ireland. (Word Count 2265)
This working paper attempts to gain a better understanding of the causes of racism within Northern Ireland. In order to do this effectively, it is first necessary to look at the diverse meaning of racism as well as providing statistics to show that racism is a continuing problem within contemporary society. These statistics alone pose many problems through their collection and their questionable inability of response by the police and the criminal justice system (Haughey 2012). Policies and strategies that are put in place to tackle racist incidents within the state institutions and individuals will also be addressed. Theoretical perspectives will be drew upon in order to understand the causes for racism within Northern Ireland.
In 2004, Northern Ireland was classified as the ‘race hate capital of Europe’ (Haughey 2012: 1). This goes hand in hand with previous research which looked at minority ethnic people living in Northern Ireland and found that almost half (44%) had experience verbal abuse with just under a third (29%) have experienced criminal damage to their property (Connolly and Keenan 2001). It is thus clear that Northern Irish society is racist and it can be argued that this is due to nationalism which is an anxious culture that fears the unknown as threat is experienced (Abercrombie and Warde 1988).
The concept of race is controversial as it is a diverse term that is socially constructed and holds various meanings that can change from time and place. The general agreement of when this term came into existence is from the mid to late eighteenth century (Bulmer and Solomos 1999). Phizacklea and Miles would define race as a system of shared beliefs held by it’s members which identify themselves in terms of biology or any other natural
This working paper attempts to gain a better understanding of the causes of racism within Northern Ireland. In order to do this effectively, it is first necessary to look at the diverse meaning of racism as well as providing statistics to show that racism is a continuing problem within contemporary society. These statistics alone pose many problems through their collection and their questionable inability of response by the police and the criminal justice system (Haughey 2012). Policies and strategies that are put in place to tackle racist incidents within the state institutions and individuals will also be addressed. Theoretical perspectives will be drew upon in order to understand the causes for racism within Northern Ireland.
In 2004, Northern Ireland was classified as the ‘race hate capital of Europe’ (Haughey 2012: 1). This goes hand in hand with previous research which looked at minority ethnic people living in Northern Ireland and found that almost half (44%) had experience verbal abuse with just under a third (29%) have experienced criminal damage to their property (Connolly and Keenan 2001). It is thus clear that Northern Irish society is racist and it can be argued that this is due to nationalism which is an anxious culture that fears the unknown as threat is experienced (Abercrombie and Warde 1988).
The concept of race is controversial as it is a diverse term that is socially constructed and holds various meanings that can change from time and place. The general agreement of when this term came into existence is from the mid to late eighteenth century (Bulmer and Solomos 1999). Phizacklea and Miles would define race as a system of shared beliefs held by it’s members which identify themselves in terms of biology or any other natural
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