Multiculturalism and sectarianism in post-agreement Northern Ireland

Abstract

This research contributes to existing scholarship on contemporary multiculturalism by exploring how multicultural agendas are operationalised in Northern Ireland, a society divided along sectarian lines. This paper develops the key themes and arguments of this work through an analysis of anti-racist murals displayed in West Belfast. Looking at how different groups employ sectarian narratives and images in the production of their anti-racist messages I argue that a persistent sectarianism complicates the advancement of anti-racist agendas.

Key words:

• Cultural geography
• social geography multiculturalism
• sectarianism
• Northern Ireland