Culture and Identity Politics in Northern Ireland - by Kenneth A Loparo (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Civilization and culture have traditionally been regarded as mutually exclusive concepts. In this comparative case-study of Northern Ireland, Máiréad Nic Craith explores the commitment of unionists to a civic, "culture-blind" British state; contrasting this with nationalist demands for official recognition of Irish culture. The "cultural turn" in Northern Irish politics and the development of a bicultural infrastructure is examined here in the context of differing interpretations of equality and increasing demands for intercultural communication within, as well as between, communities.

Review Quotes

'NicCraith's book has a global reach while it offers valuable interpretations of Northern Ireland's cultural specificities.' - American Anthropologist

'Culture and identity Politics in Northern Ireland offers much deft commentary and persuasive argument regarding the contemporary complexity and fluidity of communal identities.' - Irish Political Studies

About the Author

MÁIRÉAD NIC CRAITH is an anthropologist at the Academy for Irish Cultural Heritages, University of Ulster (Magee Campus). She has previously worked in the Universities of Liverpool, Dublin and Cork. Author and editor of several books including Plural Identities, Singular Narratives (2002) she has lectured and published extensively on aspects of culture and language in Northern Ireland and in Europe. Her research interests include culture and identity politics, the impact of European integration on regional cultures and languages, and European influences on Irish culture. She is currently researching European ethnology in Northern Ireland and the politics of language in Europe. Professor Nic Craith is co-editor of the series European Studies in Culture and Policy with LIT Verlag.