Transformations in Irish culture
By: Luke Gibbons.
Series: Critical conditions ;; 2
Publisher: University of Notre Dame Press, in association with Field Day
Published: 1996
Place of publication: Notre Dame, Ind
Language: eng
Number of pages: 214
Subjects: Nationalism -- Ireland -- History -- 20th century; National characteristics, Irish; Ireland -- Civilization -- 20th century; Ireland -- Politics and government -- 20th century
Description: From a variety of perspectives, the essays explore the complex intersections between culture and politics, nation and state, periphery and centre, and 'high' and 'popular' culture in Irish life. Cultural representations are shown not as simply reflecting, but actively helping to constitute and transform social experience.

As a consequence, national identity is not a fixed entity but must be understood in terms of specific cultural practices, the multiple narratives and symbolic forms through which we make sense of our lives. The author argues that this requires a rethinking of key concepts of tradition and modernity, race, gender, and class as they bear on an understanding of contemporary Ireland.

The aim throughout is to work towards non-exclusivist and open-ended forms of identity which allow a critical engagement with both past and present, and open up new possibilities for the future.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.