EPISODE · Jun 18, 2026 · 42 MIN
The Impact of Parades in Northern Ireland
from UCL Uncovering Politics · host Alan Renwick, Kit Rickard, Giovanni Hollenweger, Sigrid Weber, Kristin Bakke
Parading — when members of the unionist community march to commemorate historical events such as the 1690 Battle of the Boyne — is one of the most visible expressions of Northern Ireland's deep social divisions. But does it actually inflame tensions between communities? A new study examines parading as a "contentious ritual", using survey data, interviews, and participant observation to find out. The results offer fresh insight into identity, conflict, and inter-group relations in a divided society. Joining host Alan Renwick are three of the article's authors: Kristin Bakke, Kit Rickard, and Giovanni Hollenweger. Mentioned in this episode: Contentious Rituals and Intergroup Relations: Parading in Northern Ireland by Kit Rickard, Giovanni Hollenweger, Sigrid Weber, and Kristin M. Bakke, British Journal of Political Science.
What this episode covers
This week we ask how the tradition of parading in Northern Ireland affects relations between its historically divided communities.
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The Impact of Parades in Northern Ireland
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