Civic Identity and Public Space: Belfast Since 1780

Civic identity and public space,focussing on Belfast,and bringing together the work of a historian and two social scientists,offers a new perspective on the sometimes lethal conflicts over parades,flags and other issues that continue to disrupt political life in Northern Ireland.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 04 June 2019
Publisher: Manchester University Press

Civic identity and public space, focusing on Belfast, brings together the work of a historian and two social scientists to offer a fresh perspective on the often deadly conflicts over parades, flags, and other issues that continue to disrupt political life in Northern Ireland. It explores the emergence during the nineteenth century of the concept of public space and the development of new strategies for its regulation, the establishment of a near monopoly of public space enjoyed by Protestants and unionists in the aftermath of the 1920 establishment of a Northern Ireland state, and the breakdown of that monopoly in more recent decades.

Policymakers and politicians are currently grappling with the challenge of devising a strategy for managing public space in a divided city, while also striving to foster a new sense of civic identity that can transcend long-standing sectarian and political divisions. This essay examines the historical and social factors that have contributed to the current state of affairs and proposes potential solutions for promoting greater unity and understanding in Belfast.

The concept of public space has evolved significantly over time, with different societies and cultures defining it in their own unique ways. In Belfast, the public space has been shaped by a complex history of sectarianism, political violence, and social division. During the nineteenth century, the city was divided into Protestant and Catholic neighborhoods, with each community having its own distinct social and cultural practices.

However, the emergence of the Northern Ireland state in 1920 brought about a significant change in the political landscape of the region. The state was established to promote peace and stability in a divided society, and it sought to create a shared public space that would be accessible to all citizens. This was achieved through the creation of a network of public parks, libraries, and other recreational facilities that were open to people of all backgrounds.

Despite these efforts, the emergence of a Northern Ireland state also created new conditions that led to the establishment of a near monopoly of public space enjoyed by Protestants and unionists. This monopoly was facilitated by the political and social divisions that had existed in the region for centuries, and it was reinforced by the policies of the state and the institutions it created.

For example, the state-sponsored housing program in Northern Ireland favored Protestant and unionist communities, leading to the concentration of these groups in particular neighborhoods. This concentration of population led to the development of distinct cultural and social identities within these communities, which further reinforced the divisions between them.

Similarly, the state's education system was also heavily influenced by sectarianism, with Catholic schools receiving less funding and resources than Protestant schools. This led to a lack of educational opportunities for Catholic students and contributed to the perpetuation of social and economic inequality in the region.

Over time, the monopoly of public space enjoyed by Protestants and unionists began to break down, as a result of a variety of factors. These included the rise of civil rights movements in the 1960s and 1970s, which challenged the dominance of the state and demanded greater equality and social justice for all citizens.

The emergence of the peace process in the 1990s also brought about a shift in the political landscape of Northern Ireland, with the establishment of a power-sharing government that included representatives from both Protestant and Catholic communities. This led to the creation of a more inclusive and democratic public space, where people of all backgrounds could participate and engage in political and social activities.

However, the legacy of sectarianism and political violence continues to shape the public space in Belfast. Despite the progress that has been made in promoting greater unity and understanding, there are still ongoing tensions and conflicts over parades, flags, and other issues that continue to disrupt political life in the region.

One of the most significant challenges facing policy makers and politicians in Belfast is the management of public space in a divided city. This requires a nuanced and multifaceted approach that takes into account the historical and social context of the region.

One potential solution is to promote greater cultural and social diversity in the public space. This can be achieved through the creation of more inclusive and diverse recreational facilities, such as community gardens, sports fields, and cultural centers. These facilities can be designed to promote cross-community interaction and understanding, and can help to break down the barriers that have divided the community for so long.

Another potential solution is to promote greater community engagement in the management of public space. This can be achieved through the creation of community forums and committees that can provide input and feedback on the development and management of public spaces. These forums can be open to all members of the community, regardless of their background or political affiliation, and can help to ensure that the voices of all citizens are heard and considered.

In addition to these solutions, policy makers and politicians in Belfast must also address the underlying causes of sectarianism and political violence. This requires a long-term commitment to promoting greater social and economic equality, as well as to addressing the underlying social and economic issues that contribute to these divisions.

This can be achieved through the implementation of policies that promote job creation, education, and training, as well as policies that address the root

In conclusion, civic identity and public space, focusing on Belfast, offers a fresh perspective on the often deadly conflicts over parades, flags, and other issues that continue to disrupt political life in Northern Ireland. It explores the emergence during the nineteenth century of the concept of public space and the development of new strategies for its regulation, the establishment of a near monopoly of public space enjoyed by Protestants and unionists in the aftermath of the 1920 establishment of a Northern Ireland state, and the breakdown of that monopoly in more recent decades. Policymakers and politicians are currently grappling with the challenge of devising a strategy for managing public space in a divided city, while also striving to foster a new sense of civic identity that can transcend long-standing sectarian and political divisions. This essay examines the historical and social factors.

Weight: 514g
Dimension: 164 x 241 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780719086366