This book examines the extent and nature of Irish social and cultural difference. It is a collection of twenty-three short essays written in a clear and accessible manner by human scientists who are international experts in their area. The essays cover topics covered include the nature of Irish nationalism and capitalism, the Irish political elite, the differences and similarities of the Irish family, the upsurge in immigration, Northern Ireland, the Irish diaspora, the Irish language, sport, music and many other topics.The book will be bought by those who have an academic and personal interest in Irish Studies. It will be attractive to those who are not familiar with the theories and methods of the human sciences and how they can shine a light on the transformations that have taken place in Ireland. Tom Inglis, the editor of the collection, is a sociologist who has written extensively on Irish culture and society.

Tom Inglis is Professor of Sociology at University College Dublin

1. Introduction Tom Inglis2. Irishness and nationalisms Sini¨a Male¨evic3. Where is Ireland in the worlds of capitalism? Seán Ó Riain4. Just another bubble economy? Denis OHearn5. A Catholic vision of Ireland Bryan Fanning6. The Irish political elite Kieran Allen7. The Irish family different or not? Tony Fahey8. Single women in story and society Anne Byrne9. The Irish body Tom Inglis10. Sexual abuse and the Catholic Church Marie Keenan11. The difference between Irish and American Catholicism Michele Dillon12. Postcolonial legacies and the Irish psyche Geraldine Moane13. Thinking about Ireland and the Irish diaspora Mary J. Hickman14. Being Irish and male in Britain Mairtin Mac an Ghaill and Chris Haywood15. The new Irish and the Irish nation Bryan Fanning16. Conflict and reconciliation in Northern Ireland Joseph Ruane17. Irish language, Irish nation Iarfhlaith Watson18. The difference of Irish music Martin Dowling19. The GAA and the sporting Irish Katie Liston20. Feeling at home in contemporary Ireland Ethel Crowley21. Searching for and explaining difference Tom Inglis22. A new vision of Irish studies Linda Connolly23. Irish studies between the past and the future Michael G. CroninIndex