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| Barriers as seen on Springmartin Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland. |
In an article by Muldoon (2004), the conflict in Northern Ireland commonly known as "the Troubles" is examined to determine the impact on the development of children. This period of Irish history is known for many bombings, demonstrations and killings. The Troubles began in the late 1960s and was officially over in 1998 with the signing of the Belfast "Good Friday" Agreement. However, Belfast and some of its Northern Ireland neighbors continue to be the site of rioting and civil disobedience. Springmartin Road in Belfast is literally divided down the middle by high walls and barriers to designate the Catholic and Protestant communities. Muldoon (2004) found through research the impact of conflict on children demonstrating acting-out behaviors is variable. Rather than conflict and unrest being the sole contributors to children with social/emotional challenges, the data would seem to support poverty, education and substance abuse as equally definitive predictors (Muldoon, 2004). Additionally, Muldoon (2004) found that even those children directly impacted by ongoing civil violence, the conflict experience is but one part of their overall development and sense of identity.
References
Muldoon, O.T. (2004). Children of the troubles: the impact of political violence in Northern Ireland.
Journal of Social Issues, 60(3), 453-468. Retrieved from
http://www2.ul.ie/pdf/10036202.pdf
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| The wall dividing the Catholic and Protestant Communities in Belfast, Northern Ireland |
Hi
ReplyDeleteGood post,the violence that these children experienced, is very sad, had a huge impact on their development.
How discouraging to know that we still live in a world that is so prejudice or elitist that physical barriers are constructed between communities. Did you find any plans for assisting these children? How did Maha overcome her war torn childhood? Was it primarily through family/community support or was there an intentional effort to aid children? Either way it sounds like she has a very healthy perspective on the experience. Thanks for the post and please thank Maha for sharing her story.
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