Constructing Irish National Identity - (Cultural Sociology) by A Kane (Hardcover)

About the Book

"A major statement in both historical and cultural sociology, Constructing Irish nationalist identity: ritual and discourse during the land war, 1879-1882, provides a theoretical and methodological model for analyzing symbolic and social transformation in major historical events. Synthesizing the strong program in cultural sociology with eventful temporality, Anne Kane demonstrates the construction of political alliance and the emergence of a counter hegemonic cultural structure over the course of a political movement and campaign. Through deep analysis of the discursive struggles of contentious participants--tenant farmers, nationalists, and the Irish Catholic Church--in the multitudinous enchained ritualistic events of the Irish land war, Kane illuminates the construction of a reconfigured Irish nationalist identity"--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

Author Anne Kane analyzes the intertwined cultural, political and social transformations that occur during historical events by focusing specifically on the case of the Irish Land War, a pivotal event in the formation of the modern Irish nation.

Review Quotes

"This masterwork brings together a searching inquiry into the structures and dynamics of political culture and a careful, painstaking examination of a pivotal episode in the forging of Irish nationalist identity. Engaged in fruitful dialogue with studies of political contention and social movements, nationalism and collective identity formation, ritual process, and historical change, it will take its place alongside such classics of the genre as William Sewell, Jr.'s Work and Revolution in France." - Mustafa Emirbayer, Professor of Sociology, University of Wisconsin at Madison, USA

"Kane illuminates brilliantly the transformations of Irish national identity in the 'Land War' of 1879 to 1882. Her theoretically informed analysis of the Land War's contentious and ever-changing political discourse is subtle and fascinating. The book combines theoretical novelty, exhaustive archival research, and compelling narrative. It is a splendid contribution both to Irish history and to cultural and historical sociology." - William H. Sewell, Jr., University of Chicago, USA

About the Author

ANNE KANE Assistant Professor of the Social Sciences at the University of Houston-Downtown, USA.