Neoliberalism and the Voluntary and Community Sector in Northern Ireland

Description

This is a timely analysis of the unique constructions and consequences of neoliberal policies on the voluntary sector and civil society in Northern Ireland. The book charts the changing relationships between government, voluntary and community organisations since the Good Friday Agreement. It considers the role these actors have played in rolling out and normalising neoliberal discourses and policies. With lessons about the impact of neoliberal policies on governance, relationships and the peace process, this study explores how a core part of civil society has been shaped by both local policy priorities and broader political and economic processes. Ciaran Hughes and Markus Ketola explore the consequences of neoliberal policies on the voluntary sector in Northern Ireland. They trace the changing relationships between government and voluntary organisations since the Good Friday Agreement and lessons about the impact of neoliberal policies on governance, relationships and the peace process.

Markus Ketola is Senior Lecturer in Global and International Social Policy at the University of Edinburgh. Ciaran Hughes is a Belfast-based researcher. His research focuses on Northern Irish politics, community relations, social policy and civil society.

"A scholarly analysis of the changing role of the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland. It traces the sector's pivotal role during and beyond the conflict, and questions where the heart and soul of the sector now lies." Colin Knox, Nazarbayev University