Social Justice in Post-Conflict Societies: Lessons From Northern Ireland.

Abstract

This article explores gender and social justice in post-conflict societies, using Northern Ireland as a case study. It focuses specifically on the socio-economic impact of the UK's withdrawal from the EU (Brexit) on women in Northern Ireland using a social justice framework, drawing on recognition, redistribution and representation as conceptualised by Nancy Fraser. It uses qualitative research conducted between 2022 and 2023 comprising focus groups, an expert seminar and semi-structured interviews sensitive to an intersectional understanding of women. While centred on Brexit, the findings have broader implications for understanding how post-conflict governance, sovereignty, and international obligations intersect with gendered inequalities. We argue that Brexit demonstrates a profound neglect of Northern Ireland's unique position, politically and geographically, particularly the UK's obligations under the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, and underscores the marginalisation and exclusion of women's voices in post-conflict governance. We find that the impact of Brexit on women in Northern Ireland is distinct and disproportionate from other parts of the UK for several reasons, including that it is a post-conflict society; there exists specific patterns of violence against women; and there is a prior reliance by the third sector on EU funding. The article thus contributes to a deeper understanding of the systemic barriers that inhibit participatory equality and outlines pathways for achieving social justice in Northern Ireland.