Social and Demographic Patterns and Trends in Northern Ireland: a Multivariate Approach

Abstract

On a variety of social and demographic indicators Northern Ireland displays considerable deviation from the United Kingdom norm. Within the province there is also considerable variation in terms of social and demographic structure. Using Population Census and vital registration data, this paper explores the trends in some key social and demographic indicators at District Council Area level for the years 1971. 1981 and 1991. For the most part, there has been a convergence in terms of social and demographic variables, as the DCAs approximate to the provincial norm. Nevertheless, distinct spatial patterns are evident and persistent. By means of principal components analysis, these geographies of social and demographic continuity and change are explored.

Keywords:

• Northern Ireland
• population
• principal components analysis