Beyond the Visible: Community Perceptions of Rituals and Symbols in Northern Ireland

Abstract

Introduction This thesis investigates the influence of cultural rituals and symbols on social identities and intergroup conflict in Northern Ireland. The paper analyses the historical circumstances of colonisation, which solidified religious and ethnic divisions, specifically between Catholic Nationalists and Protestant Unionists. Objective The aim of this study is to examine the role of cultural rituals and symbols on the development and continuation of social identities and intergroup conflict in Northern Ireland. Methods This study employs Social Identity Theory and the Ethno-Symbolist approach to analyse the intricacies of sectarian conflict. Data was gathered via qualitative semi-structured interviews with individuals belonging to both the Catholic Nationalist and Protestant Unionist populations. The utilisation of thematic analysis was employed to reveal the importance of cultural elements in various contexts. Results The investigation uncovered an intricate interaction between urban and rural viewpoints, where urban areas prioritise cultural symbols and rituals, which could potentially worsen tensions. On the other hand, rural areas provided more favourable conditions for achieving reconciliation. The study also emphasised the varied interpretations of British and Irish identities, especially within Loyalist groupings, and the impact of global geopolitical issues, such as the Israel-Palestine problem, on local sectarian identities. Conclusion Cultural rituals and symbols have a substantial impact on political communication and the development of identity in Northern Ireland. An intricate comprehension of these issues is crucial for fostering peace and reconciliation. The study promotes the idea of representing identity in an inclusive manner in order to connect different religious or political groups, and suggests that further research should be conducted on minority social identities and inclusive cultural practices to decrease conflicts between different groups and promote long-term peace.