SOC/308 SOC308 SOC 308 WEEK 5 DISCUSSION 1

 Ethnic Conflict in Northern Ireland

English involvement in Ireland dates back to 1171, when English King, Henry II invaded the island to expand his empire. Since then, there have been varying degrees of political and cultural conflicts, especially between the desire for Irish independence and British rule. This tension has led to many violent clashes between the two groups. As in other global situations, what might be more accurately described as a political and economic conflict has become an ethnic conflict, with opposing groups unified around cultural and religious identities.

Please respond to the following questions:

·         In your informed opinion, what events led to the peace agreements immediately preceding the current state of harmony?

·         Given the long history of conflict, how likely do you think it is that disputes between England and Ireland have been permanently resolved?

·         What do you think can be done to decrease the chance of further conflict?

·         What does the case of Northern Ireland tell us about the social construction of ethnic identities?

Your initial post for each discussion should be a minimum of 250 words. Use scholarly sources to support your responses. Include citations and references in APA style. Review the posts of your peers, focusing on solutions. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts by Day 7.