In this first-ever systematic study of the social, economic, and political development of the two Irelands since partition, a distinguished group of scholars have worked together to provide answers that are essential for any understanding of current political events. Some important areas of convergence are demonstrated, especially in fertility, but in other respects the two Irelands remain distinct.

The core issue of this book is how to define and measure poverty in relatively rich countries in a way which is valid, meaningful in the context, and valuable for policy-making. The authors concentrate on the identification of the poor, rather than the subsequent aggregation of the statistics to derive an overall index of poverty--which is the focus of most recent literature. They show that poverty in developed countries cannot be understood and measured simply using current income. Those who are excluded from participation in society can be more accurately identified if broader measures of...

Frances Ruane, Director, Economic and Social Research Institute Irish and international scholars continue to be curious about Ireland s exceptional economic success since the early 1990s. While growth rates peaked at the turn of the millennium, they have since continued at levels that are high by any current international or historical Irish measures. Despite differences of view among Irish economists and policymakers on the relative importance of the factors that have driven growth, there is widespread agreement that the process of globalisation has contributed to Ireland s economic...

Frances Ruane, Director, Economic and Social Research Institute Irish and international scholars continue to be curious about Ireland s exceptional economic success since the early 1990s. While growth rates peaked at the turn of the millennium, they have since continued at levels that are high by any current international or historical Irish measures. Despite differences of view among Irish economists and policymakers on the relative importance of the factors that have driven growth, there is widespread agreement that the process of globalisation has contributed to Ireland s economic...