THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF YOUNG MEN IN POST CONFLICT NORTHERN IRELAND.

Abstract

This dissertation explores the lived experiences of young men within the post-conflict context of Northern Ireland. Specifically, the focus of the research is intra-Christian sectarianism. The main method of data-gathering was semi-structured interviews with three Protestants and three Catholics. The aim was to evaluate and then explore the differences and similarities participants experienced growing up in Northern Ireland. Issues such as sectarianism, violence, segregation, identity and 'the other' remain themes of post-conflict societies and through these themes I was able to build accounts of these young men's lives and how they felt about living in such a climate. All participants felt fear with regards to violence and conflict, due to the capabilities there still remains for terror. Protestants regarded much of this fear as 'normal.' Family played an all-pervasive role within these young men's attitudes and beliefs towards others, with all participants agreeing that parents and grandparents persuaded them to believing 'badly' about 'the other.' Participants identified the lack of 'mixed spaces' within Northern Ireland as contributing to much of the sectarian behaviour; such as the education systems and the boundaries and territories still in place.