Scientific journal paper Q1
The object of sectarianism: the material reality of sectarianism in Ulster Loyalism
David Cairns (Cairns, D.);
Journal Title
Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute
Year (definitive publication)
2000
Language
English
Country
United States of America
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Abstract
This article examines an important, and neglected, aspect of sectarianism in contemporary Northern Ireland: its embodiment in the material culture and everyday social practices of its antagonistic factions. Following a brief theoretical outline of sectarianism (characterized as a discursive formation), I describe this phenomenon as found in an Ulster loyalist community. I show how the material reality of sectarianism encompasses the everyday activities of these loyalists, including their 'traditional' culture of Orangeism and the spheres of sport, leisure, and entertainment. Within these everyday cultural practices, sectarian values are objectified and stored in fetishized objects, such as flags and banners, and in an oral culture of songs and slogans.
Acknowledgements
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Keywords
  • Sociology - Social Sciences
  • Social and Economic Geography - Social Sciences