School of Political Science & Sociology (Scholarly Articles)

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A social justice perspective on the delivery of family support
(Elsevier, 2024-03-01) Devaney, Carmel; Mac Donald, Mandi; Holzer, Julia; European Cooperation in Science and Technology
Family support as an approach to working with children, youth, parents, and families is widely practiced across Europe albeit with a range of diverse meanings and interpretations. This paper responds to this ambiguity and provides a conceptual understanding of the delivery of family support in Europe. In doing so it applies a social justice approach critically examining the extent to which Family Support reflects the right of families, children, youth, and parents to be supported. It identifies and critically examines similarities and differences in the meaning and application of family support as a key concept in the European context. It is based on a comprehensive review of literature, mapping multi-disciplinary approaches to the provision of support, based on academic material from 2015 to 2020 and adopting a broad and inclusive definition of family. The paper considers the complexities in developing a universally accepted understanding of family support that: has value for practitioners and managers; is selected as a focus by policy makers; is open to evaluation and research; is compatible with academic research; and most importantly provides responsive and effective support to children, youth, parents and families.
Pastorate digitalized: Social media and (de)subjectification
(SAGE Publications, 2024-01-18) Stypinska, Diana
Taking its cue from Michel Foucault’s analyses of the pastoral ‘conduct of conduct’, this paper considers social media as a specific dispositif that derives its mode of operation from the religious techniques of individualization. It argues that today’s preoccupation with digital performances, far from exorcizing the pastoral logic, in fact manifests its secular intensification. By examining social media practices through the lens of the sacramental paradigm of confession, the article shows how the digitalization of the pastoral directive culminates in the production of spectral subjects. These spectral subjects, it contends, function as the conduits of the dominant power, guaranteeing the persistence of capitalism by embodying the imperative to complete economization.
Reciprocal relationships - non volent resistance and the IASW as solidarity and support against abusive and violence behaviour
(Irish Association of Social Workers, 2021) Coogan, Declan; Lauster, Eileen
The Irish Association of Social Workers (IASW) creates spaces for voices of encouragement, hope and support for practitioners and researchers using new ways of responding to new needs. A new and innovative response to child to parent violence and abuse (CPVA) is Non Violent Resistance (NVR). The IASW has supported us in our work with this systemic and relatively brief model of intervention with parents since the early days of its use in Ireland from 2007 onwards. As a systemic model of intervention, social workers and other practitioners use NVR to engage parents in the process of change and an end to the problems of CPVA. In this article, we outline the development of the NVR model in Ireland, while celebrating the key role played by the IASW. The Association continues to be a forum in which social workers can share new ideas and practices, learn from each other and further the cause of human rights and social justice in the lives of the people with whom we work. Using a case example, we highlight support and solidarity as key elements of NVR and reflect on the ways in which we have experienced support and solidarity as members of the IASW. We have changed the names and other details used in this article (from the practice of the first author) to protect client confidentiality. Whenever we refer to parents, we are also thinking of grandparents, foster-carers, adoptive parents, same sex single or couple parents and anyone who has parental responsibilities for a child under the age of 18 years old.
‘An Inclusive Playing Field’: How can Gaelic games organisations promote the active inclusion of their LGBTQ+ players?
(School of Political Science and Sociology, University of Galway, 2023) Whelehan, Odhran
In 2015, the Republic of Ireland became the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage through a public referendum. It represented a dramatic shift in societal values. At the heart of this country is the highly influential institution of the GAA. Present in every community in the country, the GAA is not just a sporting organisation but rather an institution that represents Irish traditions and values. Yet, this same institution has few major role models its male LGBTQ+ players can look up to. The fact that there are currently no ‘out’ gay or bisexual male players in the intercounty game suggests that a taboo still exists around the presence of such players in the organisation. This research explores the reasons for this and what strategies Gaelic Games organisations could pursue to encourage the open participation of LGBTQ+ players. It considers the degree to which the temporalities of Irish LGBTQ+ progress have become embedded in the GAA. These findings are supplemented with the insights of five individuals who have experience in the GAA’s quest to become a more LGBTQ+ friendly sports organisation. These findings are then collated to produce a theory of change that can help guide the GAA’s welfare and inclusion policy in the years to come.
The confidence cult(ure): from postfeminism to neoliberal feminism
(School of Political Science and Sociology, University of Galway, 2023) Le Goff, Damien
In this article, I explore how the conflation of neoliberalism, postfeminism and selected elements of a broader feminist discourse brought forth a new type of feminism that is amenable to patriarchal neoliberalism: neoliberal feminism. I argue that this has been possible because of two main factors: the confidence cult(ure) and feminism entering the mainstream Anglo-Saxon media. Relying heavily on a postfeminist sensibility yet rebranding itself as feminism, the confidence cult(ure) fostered a new form of neoliberal affective governance directed at women. In doing so, the confidence cult(ure) achieved the tour de force of blending together neoliberalism, postfeminism and specific feminist claims. Cleansed of its radical and transformative power, this hyper-individualized form of feminism has been more easily popularized and embraced by a wider audience within mainstream Anglo-Saxon media. This made it possible to bring forth the new apolitical, patriarchyfriendly neoliberal feminist.
Three conditions for equality: feminist organising at the University of Galway
(School of Political Science and Sociology, University of Galway, 2023) Ruggi, Lennita
This article investigates the recent history of the University of Galway and its controversial gender crisis. The current prioritisation of equality, diversity, and inclusion in Irish higher education policy was accomplished by long-term feminist efforts. The analysis connects political action from the 1970s and 1980s to contemporary organising in work-related campaigning. In examining two high-profile legal cases of gender discrimination and the subsequent activism, the paper arguesthat collective, continuous, and combative feminist work are conditions to change the power relations and produce gender knowledge. The long-term roots of the local collective feminist struggle show that demands for equality are daily sustained by efforts that are necessarily communal and often anonymous, in which we can all take part.
Achieving gender equality through feminist social movements: A case study of Ni Una Menos (Not One Less)
(School of Political Science and Sociology, University of Galway, 2023) Minah, Kaata
The Ni Una Menos (Not One Less) Movement emerged as a direct response to the alarming increase of femicide in Argentina. This paper analyses how the Ni Una Menos movement mobilises various resources for gender equality. It investigates the role of the Ni Una Menos Movement and utilises Social Movement Theory to understand the movement’s dynamics within Argentina, South America and beyond. Specifically, Resource Mobilization Theory (RMT) is employed as a framework for analysis. Using New Social Movement Theory (NSMT) as a guide, the research will show how social resources were used to advance the movement’s goal. Additionally, the stages of social movements serve as a guide to examining the formation, impact, barriers, and facilitators encountered by the Ni Una Menos movement. By applying these theories, this study aims to shed light on the strategies and tactics employed by the movement, its influence on societal change, and the challenges and opportunities it faces in pursuing gender equality. Through this analysis, the research aims to provide a deeper understanding of how a powerful movement was formed and its implications for gender equality.
A critical analysis of Ireland’s approaches to addressing cyber sexual violence
(School of Political Science and Sociology, University of Galway, 2023) Hayman, Lorraine
In this review article, I will critically analyse various approaches for addressing Cyber Sexual Violence (CSV) perpetrated against adults in the Republic of Ireland1 . CSV is cyberspace-located, non-physical and in-direct, non-consensual or coerced acts of a sexualised nature. I examine two research questions: What approaches to addressing CSV perpetrated against adults exist in Ireland? What are the limitations of these approaches? Drawing on the literature, I will analyse Ireland’s legal approach to addressing CSV, a CSV reporting tool, and CSV awareness-raising campaigns. Notably, recording, distributing, or publishing intimate images without consent is illegal in Ireland. However, Irish laws do not acknowledge this crime as sexual violence. Proving a perpetrator’s intent to harm is central to sentencing rather than a focus on the harms experienced by the victim-survivor. Hotline.ie, the tool for the public to report illegal content online outside of the Garda Síochána2 , has seen increased usage but features inconsistent messaging regarding CSV committed against adults. Also, there exists a gap in the support services available for adult victim-survivors of CSV who did not experience physical sexual violence. By analysing approaches to addressing CSV perpetrated against adults, this article supports future responses to CSV in Ireland to avoid and resolve the identified limitations.
Investigating the use of the Danger Assessment (DA) Questionnaire to assess risk at Aoibhneas Domestic Abuse Support for Women and Children
(School of Political Science and Sociology, University of Galway, 2023) Gannon, Robyn
Risk assessment is a key facet in supporting victims of domestic abuse and preventing outcomes such as re-assault or domestic homicide. Campbell’s Danger Assessment questionnaire is a risk assessment tool that is used specifically to estimate the risk of reassault or domestic homicide. This article will investigate the use of the Danger Assessment at Aoibhneas Domestic Abuse Support for Women and Children. A literature review will examine the topics of domestic abuse, domestic homicide, Campbell’s Danger Assessment, and domestic abuse risk assessment in Ireland. A sample of 20 danger assessments was taken and analysed for trends from the 162 that were conducted by Aoibhneas in 2021. The results showed that Irish nationals in the sample were more likely to score within a higher risk category than foreign nationals. Furthermore, many clients in the sample reported experiencing controlling, stalking and jealous behaviours from their partners. Though the data analysis is based on a small non-representative sample, the results indicate a likely need for further research into the development of a danger assessment variation that takes into account contextual and cultural differences between Ireland and the country of the danger assessment’s origin, the USA.
Editorial: The Spectre of Violence in Graduate Feminist Research
(School of Political Science and Sociology, University of Galway, 2023) Scriver, Stacey; Ballantine, Carol; Chippendale, Roisin
[No abstract available]
Confronting time out of joint. . . – On economic rationality and imagination
(SAGE Publications, 2023-02-01) Diana Stypinska; Stypinska, Diana
It is often suggested that today we are living in the 'end times'. Confronted by a perpetual incursion of major global crises, we increasingly find ourselves incapable of meaningfully relating to the present, let alone to the future. The forever deferred 'end' throws the very idea of time out of joint. Unable to advance, our imagination retreats, with retrograde tendencies taking over both culture and politics. From incessant movie prequels and sequels, through the re-emergence of populist fascist politics, all the way to the return of Cold War rhetoric, we witness our reality becoming increasingly substituted by a string of peculiar rehashings and reunions. History, as we knew it, is no longer 'made'; we strain to cling to the past, equating the future with dystopia. Crucially, this problematique of the fading of temporality is not new. In fact, it has got a history of its own. This paper explores our current (a)temporal whereabouts by reflecting upon them from the perspective of their historical trajectory. It does this by revisiting the work of André Gorz - a thinker whose contributions equip us with the insights needed to confront time out of joint effectively and embrace the idea of future. The article argues that the roots of today's temporal malaise can be found in the process of 'economicization', which subordinated the notion of utopia to its principles, thereby nullifying it. Examining the effects of the unbridled reign of economic rationality over our imagination, it calls for a temporal intervention by means of ecological rationality.
Incarcerated mothers’ experience of adversity heard using participatory mixed-method research
(SAGE Publications, 2022-12-25) O’Malley, Sinead; Devaney, Carmel; Millar, Michelle
This paper is based on mixed method participatory research with incarcerated mothers in Ireland. It is based on a study which aimed to profile imprisoned mothers, hear their experiences of motherhood and mothering, and examine their available supports. Participants were involved in the design and implementation of the research, but not the data analysis and reporting. In Ireland, women are contained in two closed prisons which contain a range of inmates. Prominent themes highlighted in the lives of participants include trauma, addiction, and mother-child separation. Rich accounts of child and adult trauma, associated addiction and criminality and voluntary and enforced separations from their children are described and discussed. Research participants engaged fully in this process and were keen to share the research findings when the opportunity arose. They also supported the lead researcher to disseminate the findings widely. An overview of relevant literature on motherhood, incarceration, trauma and addiction in the context of incarceration is presented in the paper, followed by a detailed outline and discussion of the participatory methods used. The paper concludes with a reflection on the key issues that arose for participants and considers how these might be responded to in the future.
Virtual consumption: A review of digitalization's “green” credentials
(Frontiers Media, 2022-11-23) Hynes, Mike
The unprecedented development, growth, and widespread pervasiveness of digital Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) have coincided with ever-increasing levels of consumption and the climate emergency. Digital ICTs, once lauded for their potential to dematerialize society, are now imposing additional burdens on the planet. The widespread consumption of personal electronics continues to grow at an enormous rate, while recycling of the scarce rare-earth minerals that are crucial to their development is negligible. As digital technologies become ubiquitous, the need for additional energy to power our ever-increasing number of digital devices and services must also keep pace. Moreover, despite their public veneer as progressives, digital tech companies are collaborating with fossil fuel companies to render oil and gas extraction more profitable and with greater speed, fuelling climate breakdown. Online social platforms are also being misused as podiums for dis/misinformation and falsehoods counter to the scientific consensus of anthropogenic climate change, allowing the digital tech sector to abdicate any social responsibility and denying the dire consequences of inaction. This review article explores the growing consumption demands and the ecological threat from digitalization and the digital tech sector: demands that will only intensify with our insatiable appetite for digital tech services and products. Such a review aims to draw closer attention to some ways such technology can be used to assist ecological research and conservation, but also to expand upon our understanding of the negative environmental aspects of a relentless push toward a Digital Society. In uncritically accepting Big Tech's virtuous credentials, we are choosing to ignore the immense power and influence they have over our lives, and the ways they may be propelling our environment toward collapse.
Naming my world: Finding my voice
(SAGE Publications, 2021-07-19) Byrne, Anne
This is a personal account of a sociological career over four decades, influenced by developments in Irish society and sociology. I focus on the growth of a feminist sociology, the stigmatisation of unmarried mothers, concealed stories and the changing treatment of ‘voice’ in sociological research.
Realizing the potential of a strengths-based approach in family support with young people and their parents
(Wiley, 2022-10-22) Devaney, Carmel; Brady, Bernadine; Crosse, Rosemary; Jackson, Rebecca
This paper on a strengths-based approach (SBA) to practice is based on empirical research with stakeholders involved in an intensive support programme for young people at risk and their parents in Ireland. The Youth Advocate Programme (YAP) model provides wraparound support to respond to their needs by focussing on their competencies, their coping skills, and building networks of community-based supports. The model includes parents or carers in the suite of support offered by Advocates. A strengths-based approach to practice has been discussed for some time in academic literature and practice guidance. However, it tends to be considered primarily in relation to social work practice, and there is ongoing ambiguity as to what it actually involves in day-to-day engagement with individual family members. Insightful, rich accounts of strengths-based approaches as part of routine practice provided by young people, parents, and practitioners form the basis to this paper, and detail how these approaches support the development of hope-inspiring relationships and promote positive change. Relevant literature and research situates the debate on the experience of using SBA, the wider challenges faced by families, the impact of SBA in practice on those receiving the support service, and its potential for use in the wider continuum of children and family services.
The possibilities of feminism(s) in an uncertain world
(School of Political Science and Sociology, University of Galway, 2021) Scriver, Stacey; Ballantine, Carol; Monks, Ysabel
[No abstract available]
Introducing Dearcadh: A tradition in feminist academics and publishing
(School of Political Science and Sociology, University of Galway, 2020) Scriver, Stacey; Ballantine, Carol
[No abstract available]
A word of caution for feminist-decertifiers? The case of France’s racial disestablishment
(School of Political Science and Sociology, University of Galway, 2022) Wilkinson, Sophie
This thinkpiece studies France’s relationship to race/ethnicity through a feminist lens. It explores the French government’s unique approach to its citizens’ identities which has effectively resulted in the disestablishment (or decertification) of their race/ethnicity. The history and politics of this situation are here evaluated through the lens of a feminist critical legal reform called “decertification”. Investigating this case provides a unique, country-level perspective on techniques of governmental deracialisation and insights gleaned from the research are of interest to international feminists interested in the role of identity-markers in activism.
An evaluation of the practicability of the right to development
(School of Political Science and Sociology, University of Galway, 2022) Mustapha, Owodunni Ola
Human rights broadly speaking refer to norms, and codes that seek to protect humans from political, legal, and social abuses (Stanford, 2003). In more recent times, concerns for issues involving global and social justice in the discourse of rights ultimately transpired into a formulation of what we now know as the right to development. Consequently, the motive behind the right to development was to harmonize human rights and core economic development concerns. The right to development can be seen from two perspectives; as it pertains to a citizen’s right to enjoy social and economic benefits where a government is burdened with the responsibility of protecting that right, and collectively as a group or society’s right to development in relation to other societies. This article attempts to address the critics of the right to development, and its achievability. Our analysis highlights the need to create a nexus between rights and development as well as measures through which the contentious issues in relation to the right to development can be addressed.
Image-based sexual abuse in Ireland: a thematic and critical discourse analysis of Twitter data surrounding a highly-publicised case in 2013
(School of Political Science and Sociology, University of Galway, 2022) Gannon, Robyn
In order to understand attitudes that uphold social inequalities, discourse related to these inequalities must be analysed. Rape myths are socially upheld false beliefs about sexual violence (SV) which contribute to rape-supportive cultures. Image-based sexual abuse (IBSA) is a form of SV which has increased with rising socialmedia use. A case of IBSA within the Irish context can be seen in an incident that occurred at a concert in 2013. Sexually explicit images of a 17-year old woman were posted online and went viral, with the woman (derisively dubbed ‘Slane girl’) becoming the subject of national and international discourse. The aim of this research was to investigate the attitudes of Twitter users in Ireland to the Slane case through a thematic and critical discourse analysis (CDA). Data were collected and analysed from Twitter application programming interfaces (API) using Python. A range of sentiments were identified towards the woman in the case - derision, shame, indifference and sympathy. It was concluded that the majority of tweets displayed a lack of empathy for the woman as well as a lack of understanding of the SV in the case. The low levels of reporting of SV in Ireland are likely influenced by cultural attitudes reflected in the findings of this research. It is recommended that further research is conducted to ascertain the opinions and attitudes of people in Ireland towards victimsurvivors of SV and to develop methods of challenging rape myths in Irish society.

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