Social Movements as Arenas of Struggle: The Case of Ireland's 1916 Societies

• In Event: 106 - Section on Collective Behavior and Social Movements Refereed Roundtable Session and Business Meeting
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: Table 08. Mechanisms for Solidarity

Abstract

In this paper, we analyze how shifts in Northern Ireland’s colonial context have influenced the ideology and strategy of the Irish republican movement, causing it to split and fragment. In the first section, we outline the emergence and development of the Provisional Republican movement, highlighting both its goals and activity. In this section, we look at the destabilizing elements of the Northern Irish peace process, illustrating that a new era has begun in Northern Ireland. The second part of the paper considers the fragmentation of Irish Republicanism, highlighting the different groups that have emerged that have tried to either capture or influence the post-peace process period. We outline the contours of a re-framing of Irish Republicanism and the different repertoires of movement activity. The third sections of the paper document the challenge of the republican formation the 1916 Societies, tracing how it is both redefining the theory and practice of Irish Republicanism. The paper concludes with an outline of a number of challenges facing this reemergence of Irish Republicanism.

Authors

• John O'Connor, Central Connecticut State University

• Brian Becker, Central Connecticut State University