Segregation Preferences of Urban and Rural 16-year-olds in Northern Ireland

Abstract

Sectarian violence in the Northern Ireland is often perceived to be mostly confined to cities. The aim of this paper is to explore statistically what factors contribute to segregation preferences among young people living in rural and urban areas, using the 2005–2009 Young Life and Times (YLT) survey – an annual attitudes survey of 16-year-olds. The findings show that religious and national identities are the strongest predictors of segregation preferences among 16-year-olds, regardless of where they live and what background they have. Those living in rural areas of Northern Ireland are more supportive of residential, workplace and educational segregation than those living in more urban areas. This research highlights the need for government policy to take rurality into account. Nevertheless, some variables significantly determine segregation preferences regardless of where respondents live, such as attendance of segregated schools, being female, or strength of national and religious identity. Consequently, policy initiatives should continue to address the effect of segregation, especially in relation to education, and future research exploring social class and gender is recommended. In conclusion, the perception of the violent ‘urban spaces’ and the ‘peaceful countryside’ has to be challenged.

Keywords:

• young people
• segregation
• rural
• Northern Ireland

Acknowledgements

The data set was analysed using SPSS PASW Statistics 18, Release 18.0.0. This work was supported by: the Economic and Social Research Council (grant reference: RES-060-23-0015); the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the Border Region of Ireland 2000–2005, Measure 2:1 – Reconciliation for Sustainable Peace; the Carnegie UK Trust; and the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister.

Notes

1. Interface areas are (predominantly) residential areas where a mainly or exclusively Catholic residential area geographically borders a mainly or exclusively Protestant residential area. This border can be marked (e.g. by a ‘peace line’) or unmarked and invisible (e.g. divided by a bridge or a road).