Irish society has changed more in the last three decades leading up to the 21st century than in the whole of the previous one hundred years, going back to the mid nineteenth century. A poor and rural, deeply conservative and Roman Catholic country has become urbanised, industrialised, and one of the leading economies in Europe. This process of economic growth and social transformation, together with the establishment of a free republican and democratic order, has made a much more modern nation out of a country where the “primitive hatred of government” had a very long tradition.
The rapid expansion of educational opportunities in Ireland has produced a large middle class, the opportunities for women have increased and political and social changes have led to a more open, pluralistic nation. The acceptance of views and behaviour patterns, which are often not in line with the dominant religious orthodoxy or political objective are another great achievement of this society. Still this country went through serious economic difficulties, high rates of unemployment and inflation. Poverty has been produced by economic change and the gap between the younger, better educated, who benefit directly from economic modernisation and those with unequal access to quality education is visible in some areas.
The changes in Irish society in the last half-century will be discussed with a main focus relaying on the influence of the Catholic church, the Northern Ireland Issue in the Republic and the role of the women in society and politics. The recognition of prejudice and the under-representation of women in electoral politics is suppose to offer an understanding of the “nature of power and how it is distributed in a society”. Finally the question of how Fianna Fail, Irelands most successful political party, which influenced Irish history like no other party since the country’s foundation, adapted to these changes. A regular comparison with the social development in Northern Ireland will complete the topic.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Changes in Irish society
- Economy
- Political culture
- The influence of the Catholic Church
- Party system and Parties in the Republic of Ireland
- Fianna Fail
- Fianna Fail since Lemass
- Fianna Fail and the electorate
- The Role of the Women
- In Society
- In Parliament and Parties
- In the Fianna Fail party
- The Issue of Northern Ireland
- Irish society and Northern Ireland
- Fianna Fail and Northern Ireland
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper examines the evolution of Fianna Fail, Ireland's most influential political party, in response to significant social and economic changes in Irish society since 1945. The analysis focuses on the impact of the Catholic Church, the ongoing situation in Northern Ireland, and the evolving role of women in Irish society and politics.
- The impact of social and economic transformations in Ireland since 1945
- The influence of the Catholic Church on Irish society and politics
- The relationship between Irish society and the situation in Northern Ireland
- The changing role of women in Irish society and politics
- Fianna Fail's adaptation to these changes and its influence on Irish history.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter introduces the research topic and provides context by outlining the significant social and economic changes Ireland has undergone since the mid-19th century. It highlights the modernization of the country and the emergence of a more open and pluralistic society, while acknowledging the challenges of economic hardship and inequality.
- Changes in Irish society: This chapter delves into the economic transformation of Ireland, moving from an agrarian to an urbanized, industrialized society. It discusses the influence of the Catholic Church, the increasing educational opportunities, and the evolving role of women in society. It also notes the lingering impact of the Northern Ireland issue on the Republic.
- Party system and Parties in the Republic of Ireland: This chapter focuses on the Irish party system and specifically on Fianna Fail, highlighting its history and influence on Irish politics since its founding. It examines how the party adapted to the changes in Irish society, particularly after the leadership of Lemass.
- The Role of the Women: This chapter investigates the evolving role of women in Irish society, examining their participation in various aspects of public life, including society, parliament, political parties, and specifically within Fianna Fail.
- The Issue of Northern Ireland: This chapter explores the complex relationship between Irish society and the situation in Northern Ireland, analyzing how the Northern Ireland issue has impacted the Republic and how Fianna Fail has addressed it.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The main keywords and themes of this paper include: Irish society, economic development, Catholic Church, Northern Ireland, women in politics, Fianna Fail, party system, political culture, modernization, and social transformation.
- Citation du texte
- Thorsten Volberg (Auteur), 2001, How has Fianna Fail adapted to changes in Irish society since 1945?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/31313
