Ulster Protestant 'variousness' as explored through contemporary fiction writers, 1998-Present

Abstract

The Ulster Protestant community are often misrepresented as uniform in their identity. However, such assumptions are challenged by the diverse thinking of what this thesis terms ‘various’ elements, who reject traditional identity labels as well as the traditional British-Irish, unionist-nationalist binaries. Rather, they maintain an individualistic and flexible understanding of their identity, as well as a socially progressive outlook.

To highlight this ‘various’ tradition, the following thesis is built on original
oral interviews with an active cohort of women fiction writers with a connection to the historically Protestant area of East Belfast. The research is informed by these interviews, textual reading of their work, and discourse from the wider ‘various’ community, including unionist politicians and Protestant religious figures.

The research demonstrates that such a ‘various’ identity is prevalent among
contemporary Protestants. Their example reflects an often-overlooked tradition of ‘variousness’ across the wider Protestant community. This thesis does not argue that this community represents a majority, rather that they represent a subsidiary, but noteworthy branch of the Ulster Protestant identity.

The following examination of Ulster Protestant ‘variousness’ is made relevant
by the situation that the Protestant community currently finds itself in. Since the
conclusion of the Troubles, the community has struggled to adapt to their changing political position, resulting in defeatism and alienation. Furthermore, in response to growing challenges, political unionism has faltered and stagnated. In this uncertain context, a tradition of ‘variousness’ among Ulster Protestants offers an ambitious alternative to the faltering voices of political unionism. Furthermore, highlighting this ‘various’ identity challenges widespread and pejorative assumptions that Ulster Protestants are monolithic, reactionary, and socially conservative.

Date of Award	26 Sept 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Northumbria University
Supervisor	Connal Parr (Supervisor) & James McConnel (Supervisor)