SS121 Irish Society: Stasis and Change in the Ambiguous Republic

Irish society underwent a complex process of dramatic and relatively rapid social change over the twentieth century, propelling it from being a predominantly rural, Catholic, insular, and socially homogeneous society to become one of the 'most globalized' countries in the world, all within just a few short decades. In this module we explore, and explain, aspects of this process, and its effects on Irish society, mainly from a sociological perspective. Using the changing economy as a backdrop, we go on to explore transformations in key social institutions, such as religion, education, the family, the media, politics and power, and the changing role and position of women in Irish society.

No previous knowledge of either sociology or Irish society is required. It will, however, provide a very useful backdrop to the experience of being in Ireland, and offer valuable and critical insights into ?Irish identity?, and the ambiguities of social change for a small country in a global society.