The Virgin Mary Connection: Reflecting on Feminism and Northern Irish Politics

Abstract

Academic feminists have turned to feminist theory to develop ways of managing or solving ethnic antagonisms, especially among feminists/women in Northern Ireland. This essay troubles the application of feminist theory to conflict resolution/management in Northern Ireland. It examines the impact of this type of deployment of theory on key feminist categories such as identity and difference. It also considers what becomes marginalised from the analysis of gender politics in Northern Ireland when feminist theory is harnessed to solving/managing the Northern Ireland problem. The essay concludes by arguing for the development of alternative feminist frameworks that are not contained within the boundaries of a search for solutions.

Key Words:

• gender
• feminism
• conflict resolution
• the NIWC

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank colleagues in the School of Economics and Politics at the University of Ulster for their support during the writing of this essay. Special thanks to Carmel Roulston for sharing her extensive knowledge of feminist theory and practice and for providing a supportive context for feminist scholarly work. Gratitude is also due to the participants who took part in the ‘Troubling the Troubles’ seminar at Queen’s University in 2004 for their encouraging reception of the original paper and their helpful comments and thoughts on the essay. I would particularly like to thank Marysia and John for their helpful feedback and patience in relation to the writing of the essay.

Notes

1. Coalition became a shorthand term for the NIWC

2. The local television stations in Northern Ireland ran a series of advertisements in support of the peace process. One featured two young boys swapping cultural emblems on a beach to the music of Van Morrison.