Neoliberalism and the Voluntary and Community Sector in Northern Ireland

This is a timely analysis of the unique constructions and consequences of neoliberal policies on the voluntary sector and civil society in Northern Ireland.

The book charts the changing relationships between government, voluntary and community organisations since the Good Friday Agreement. It considers the role these actors have played in rolling out and normalising neoliberal discourses and policies. With lessons about the impact of neoliberal policies on governance, relationships and the peace process, this study explores how a core part of civil society has been shaped by both local policy priorities and broader political and economic processes.

Ciaran Hughes and Markus Ketola explore the consequences of neoliberal policies on the voluntary sector in Northern Ireland. They trace the changing relationships between government and voluntary organisations since the Good Friday Agreement and lessons about the impact of neoliberal policies on governance, relationships and the peace process.