Social Studies Theme 2: Conflict and Harmony in Multi-Ethnic States, Chapter 4: Sri Lanka + Northern Ireland Causes of the

conflict in Northern Ireland: (a) Lack of opportunities for social interaction (Different Education System) a. Catholics and Protestants are separated from young by the lack of opportunities to interact i. Separate school systems & Separate housing estates The 2 communities do not mix since young. b. Protestant children are taught British history, play British sports such as rugby and they are loyal to Britain. c. Catholic children, on the other hand, learn Irish history, take up Irish sports such as hurling, and are taught the Irish language and culture. They tend to regard Britain as a foreign country, unlike Protestants. d. Catholic and Protestant children view each other with suspicion from young as they feel that they are different develops into poor relations and distrust in their adult life increasing the chances for conflict to arise. (b) Lack of voting rights After 1969, the Catholics were given the right to vote and hence this problem was solved a. Before 1969, only those who owned houses/businesses were entitled to vote in the local government elections. b. As most Catholics were poor, few owned own homes or businesses Most Catholics unable to vote which caused many Catholics to feel that they were being discriminated against. c. Since many companies were owned by the richer Protestants, they ended up with more vote Voting system in Northern Ireland was unfair to the poorer Catholic population. d. Without proper voting rights, many Catholics felt frustrated and helpless as they could not change their government or the laws which was discriminating against them. e. Catholics had no power and no control towards their government policy Catholics felt that they were unfairly treated by the majority Protestant government of Northern Ireland Feelings of unhappiness and frustration then grew, which eventually led to conflict. (c) Unequal employment opportunities a. Catholics felt that even being as academically qualified as the Protestants; they do not have the same opportunity in getting the jobs they want. b. Catholics were discriminated by the Protestants for their religion Harder to get a job. c. Protestants who owned the businesses or who managed government agencies would not hire Catholics because they disliked Catholics and rejected their job application on the basis that they were of the "wrong" religion. d. Catholics became very frustrated and angry with the Protestants as they felt that they were being discriminated for their religion and race Felt that they are unfairly treated by the majority Protestant government of Northern Ireland Feelings of resentment then grew as they felt that they did nothing wrong to deserve such unfair treatment Feelings of resentment eventually fueled and led to the conflict in Northern Ireland. (d) Unequal allocation of housing a. Protestants controlled the City Councils that allocated public housing. b. Protestants gave Catholics smaller homes whereas the Protestants were given larger homes of higher quality. c. Often, large Catholic families in need of housing would have to wait a long time to get a house Deliberate action by the Protestants as they disliked the Catholics. d. Catholics were frustrated as they felt that they were inferior Catholics had to wait many years before owning their own homes Felt that it was unfair and unjust Catholics became angry with the Protestants Tension rose between the two communities Eventually fueled and led to the conflict in Northern Ireland. (e) Divided Loyalties A major cause of the conflict a. No common identity for the people of Northern Ireland; No common vision for the future as well. b. Catholics saw themselves as Irish and wanted Northern Ireland to be reunited with the Republic of Ireland. c. However, Protestants preferred Northern Ireland to remain part of Britain as they saw themselves as British. d. Hence, both communities did not see a common political future for Northern Ireland and this created a deep sense of distrust for one another Both communities were intolerant of each others views and were generally insensitive about one anothers feelings.

Last Updated: 22 February 2011

e. Both communities would often parade and display their political preferences and this aroused tension between both sides Conflict is generated. Consequence of the Northern Ireland Conflict (a) Social Segregation
a. Definition: the uneven distribution across schools of children from different socio-economic backgrounds. b. Social segregation means that Protestants and Catholics have limited similarity and little in common because the two communities have been separated by mental and physical barriers.

c. Catholics and Protestants were educated in separate schools Prejudiced against the other community. d. Catholics and Protestants also stay in completely different residential areas Reduces interaction even further. e. Thus, most youths in Northern Ireland have few or no friends from the other religion/community Increases the likelihood for misunderstanding and distrust between the two groups.
f. With so much misunderstanding, reconciliation would be very difficult and it would take a few generations and a lot more effort before the Protestants and Catholics could co-exist peacefully.

g. Both sides will continue to see one another as enemies even after the conflict Minor misunderstandings can easily be turned into serious points of contention and violence It is also unlikely that the two sides will sit down to negotiate for peace as they have so little opportunity to interact and this breeds suspicions between the two groups Potential violence in the future
(b) Declining Economy a. Definition: A declining economy is one which is in downward spiral.

b. Many domestic and foreign investors lost confidence to invest in Northern Ireland as a result of the on-going violence Constant threat of bombing and the high cost of security drove away investments from large companies in huge numbers.
c. Many foreign-owned companies closed down when violence increased the operating costs in Northern Ireland.

d. Resulted in fewer jobs and massive unemployment when companies leave Northern Ireland Northern Ireland ends up with poverty as there are fewer jobs and jobs produce income for families to meet the basic needs like education, housing and food Many families do not have a good standard of living and the country remains poor with its potential unfulfilled.
e. As shown, Northern Ireland economy was affected badly by the violence.

(c) Political Impact a. Civil rights marches placed pressure on the Northern Ireland government to pass anti-discrimination measures. b. In addition, with further civil rights demonstrations and the pressure from Britain; the Northern Ireland government announced sweeping reforms of the local government. c. E.g. after 2 civil rights marches in 1968, Northern Ireland Govt. agreed to abolish the unfair voting system They also promised to review the schemes for allocating government-owned houses

d. Hence, these political reforms resulted in a fairer treatment of the Catholics in Northern Ireland.

e. However, these fairer treatment did not last August 1969, the British Army was sent into Northern Ireland To summarise (c) Political Impact: Given the right to arrest, question and detain anyone suspected to be of a threat to the government. - There has been the passing of anti-discrimination laws f. In 1972, a peaceful civil rights march by the Catholics was shot at by the British soldiers. - The Catholics had the right to vote since 1969. 13 Catholics were shot dead and many more wounded - However, the positive impact has been limited since then and thus we cannot say that political This incident is now referred to as Bloody Sunday. reform has been successful or has a deep positiveimpact Last Updated: it wasnt for the 2011 of the conflict, there would have been little discussion about Northern - If 22 February severity Irelands future and the problem of discrimination by the Protestants towards the Catholics.