Challenging Intolerance

This paper is in three parts. It begins with a discussion of the origin and nature of forms of intolerance within and between social groups. The second part examines institutional controls on intolerance, such as legislation and the creation of mechanisms for redress of discrimination. The third part discusses approaches and techniques that have been used in educational systems, and in other areas of youth work, to confront and challenge intolerance among young people and to promote respect for diversity. Northern Ireland is our primary point of reference, but we will refer to many issues with a much wider relevance, and will draw some concrete examples from other jurisdictions to the extent that our knowledge of them permits.