Cohesion and shared education in Northern Ireland

Abstract

The vision of a shared future is clouded by shared education. No matter how laudable, shared education is an abstract concept. There is no fixed, one-fits-all model for shared education. The research reveals that the case for shared education may not be quite as straightforward as some commentators have suggested. Drawing on literature from Europe and Britain a dual typology of cohesion provided the cornerstone for this research. A mixed methods case study supported an objective examination of the shared education narrative. Dealing with violent conflict, cultural diversity, and economic inequality is an ongoing concern for Britain, Europe and beyond. Thus the conviction that shared education helps to foster good relations in a divided society has captured the attention of academics, educationalists and political leaders in other parts of the world. There are many reasons why parents, pupils, teachers and communities may resist the opportunity to engage with ‘others’ as a distinct religious, racial, or political group. But the opposite also holds true. What really matters in a democratic society moving out of conflict is that government ensures that local communities are provided with choices and residents are able to make decisions free from fear.

Date of Award	May 2017
Original language	English
Supervisor	Jacqueline Reilly (Supervisor), Colin Knox (Supervisor) & Ruth Mc Alister (Supervisor)