Project Directory - Project Entry

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Project Title:Dimensions of Social Identity
Contact:Karen Trew
Address:Belfast
BT7 1NN
Telephone:028 90 245133


Description:

The project involved a survey of 982 people drawn from the Northern Ireland population and interviewed in their homes by trained interviewers from Research and Evaluation Services. The survey was the first to employ a range of methods to establish the nature, importance, and strength of socio-political identities to people in Northern Ireland. Asked to select one identity from an array of 11, the predominant identifications were national (British, Irish) and religious identities (Protestant, Catholic). Political identities (unionist, nationalist) attracted very few people. The choice of second identity mainly produced the expected identity combinations (British-Protestant, Irish-Catholic). Overall, age, gender, occupational group and area of residence were associated with some minor variation in the relative attraction of the identity labels rather than the substantial differences observed in the identity choices of those from Protestant and Catholic community backgrounds. The analysis of the survey data enabled us to provide profiles of those who identified themselves as British Protestant, Catholic Irish or Northern Irish. For example, the Northern Irish identity was the third most popular identity choice for both Protestants and Catholics. Those who chose it evaluated it highly but not as highly as those of other identities. Overall the survey highlighted the multifaceted nature of identification. As well as the traditional divisions there were signs of flexibility and similarity.

Publications:
Trew, K, Cox, C and Ward, P. (1995). Dimensions of Social Identity in Northern Ireland. Report - CCRU

Trew, K (1998) The Northern Irish identity In Kershen, A.(Ed) A Question of identity. Aldershot, Ashgate. ISBN 1 84014558 7 (pp 60-76)

Trew, K. (1996). Complementary of Conflicting Identities. The Psychologist. pp. 460-463.

Trew, K and Benson, D. (1996). The Salience and Authenticity of Socio-political Identities in Northern Ireland. International Journal of Psychology, 31, 3&4, pp 302

Trew, K & Benson, D (1996) Dimensions of Social Identity in Northern Ireland. In G.Breakwell & E Lyons (Eds). Changing European Identities: Social - psychological analyses of social change. Oxford: Butterworth: Heinemann

'Time to Listen' seminar series exploring the concept of 'ownership' of Derry Londonderry by community activists from both sides of the community (Community groups throughout the City)

* Political seminar series
* Meetings in the Guildhall with invited audiences to discuss the theme ' Parade and Protest: Can two rights make it right?' (Holywell Trust & Forum for Community Work Education)
* Meetings to provide a space for reflection and to support community workers throughout the City during and following the Summer of 1996
* Community Relations and the Economy: Seminars held to look at issues of sectarianism in the workplace (CRO Derry City Council and CRC)
* Meetings, seminar and report on Community Development in Protestant Areas (Local community workers, DCC)
* 'The Big House in the Park' Research and collation of items for permanent exhibition in the centre on the history of St Columb's Park House.

Work with Young People
* Summer Encounter Programme. Sport for All Award for 18-25 year olds who in turn work with 14-17 year olds in the Centre's Summer Camp. (1997-1999 inclusive)
* Construction of Amphitheatre in the grounds. Two Summer Workcamps with young adults from the Waterside and Berlin (Maydown Ebrington Group and IB-BBZ)
* Schools EMU Programme. A series of workshops involving six local schools. (WELB)
* International Dispute Resolution. Workshops and video project with young people in association with IDR Washington and Israel
* Environmental workshops with young people
* Sixth form conference (PRISM)
* Mural painting in entrance gateway (NIACRO Community Volunteers).

Arts, Culture and Environment
* Arts and Different Drums mural (Detached Youth Programme WELB)
* Artist in Residence. Construction of outdoor willow classrooms.
* Establishment of permanent orienteering course (DCC & NW Orienteering Club)
* Dawn Chorus mornings (RSPB)
* Amphitheatre opening event
* Craft and cultural traditions weekend.

Women/General
* Community Relations & Integrated Schools seminar series
* Anti-Racism workshop
* International women's day event
* Information day for Community Relations practitioners
* Information Exchange Day for local projects in receipt of Peace and Reconciliation funding
* 'Women on the move' seminar
* Community Relations Youthwork Network (Youth Action et al)
* Co-operative games workshop

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site developed by: Martin Melaugh
page last modified: 06/28/99 12:22:57
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