Conflict in Multi-Ethinic Societies Northern Ireland

Causes of the Conflict 8.1 Divided Loyalties 8.2 Unequal allocation of housing 8.3 Unequal employment opportunities 8.4 Lack of voting rights 8.5 Lack of opportunities for social interaction

8.1 Divided Loyalties Difference in Political Beliefs Protestants see themselves as British and want to remain in the United Kingdom Protestants do not want a union with the Republic of Ireland Protestants fear that the Catholic government in Ireland would not be tolerant of their beliefs

8.1 Divided Loyalties Catholics see themselves as Irish and want to reunite with the Republic of Ireland Catholics still resent English conquest Different loyalties make Protestants and Catholics intolerant of each other

8.2 Unequal allocation of housing Public housing is provided by city councils The councils usually consist largely of Protestants Public housing is partially paid for by the government

8.2 Unequal allocation of housing Large Catholics families in need of housing have to wait a long time to get housing More houses given to Protestants than Catholics in some towns Catholics frustrated as they have to wait many years for their house Graph and Sources on housing found on pg 117

8.3 Unequal employment opportunities Generally, it is more difficult for Catholics to find jobs, esp. government jobs Catholics have the same academic qualifications as Protestants Catholics feel that they do not have the same opportunities in getting the jobs they want See graph on pg 118

8.4 Lack of voting rights Before 1969, Voting rights was an issue Only house owners and businesses were entitled to vote Each household got 2 votes and companies got more Many companies owned by rich Protestants Voting districts were drawn to include a larger proportion of Protestants

8.4 Lack of voting rights Since 1969, everyone is entitled to one vote as long as he is a British citizen above 18 years old Voting districts were also redrawn to ensure fairness

8.5 Lack of opportunities for social interaction (Education) In N. Ireland, there are fully-funded public schools that cater to Protestants only There are also private schools that cater to Catholics only Private schools for Catholics are partly funded by the government

8.5 Lack of opportunities for social interaction (Education) Public school students are taught British history, play British sports and are very loyal to Britain Catholic children learn Irish history, play Irish sports and are taught Irish language and culture Catholics regard Britain as a foreign country

8.5 Lack of opportunities for social interaction (Education) There are integrated schools for both Protestants and Catholics Only 5% of the school-going population go to these schools

8.5 Lack of opportunities for social interaction (Residence) Since the 17 th century, Catholics and Protestants live in separate residential areas 1991 census shows that in Belfast, 63% lived in areas that were either mainly Catholic or Protestant. In 2001, the figure rose to 66% This reduces opportunities for social interaction