The negotiation of an Irish identity in New York 2008 to 2019

In this thesis: I will show that the identities in twenty-first century Irish New York are composed of layers; debate the complexities and dynamics between them, including tensions, overlaps and contrasts that became evident during research. I will show examples of how Irish identity is negotiated, settled upon and exhibited in the various sub-groupings of New York. A particular focus will be on examining the markers which determine affiliation and non-affiliation with specific organisations in Irish America.<br/><br/>I will illuminate the boundary markers that characterise the different Irish identities and the events and symbols that separate them and glue them together. The mechanisms by which individuals settle on a particular Irish identity in New York will be analysed through the lens of the organisations that they join and the events that they attend.<br/><br/>My central argument addresses the limits, borders and constraints surrounding Irish identity in New York, how negotiations of identity are managed, whether it remains stable through a person’s life, what the different forms of Irishness are, and how particular dominant forms of Irishness are made visible while others remain covert and dormant. I will also examine motives behind association with and disassociation from Irishness, the fluidity surrounding these connections and what the drivers behind Irishness are.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

Doctor of Philosophy

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

Doctoral Thesis

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Queen's University Belfast

Year dc:date.issued

2021

Author dc:creator

• Ni Bhraonain, Elaine

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Bryan, Dominic
• Gray, Peter

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

oai:pure.qub.ac.uk/portal:studenttheses/3a544d8f-db37-465d-adf3-b3c559e07040

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:pure.qub.ac.uk/portal:studenttheses/3a544d8f-db37-465d-adf3-b3c559e07040