This book provides an analysis of neo-liberal political economics implemented in Ireland and the deleterious consequences of that model in terms of polarised social inequalities, impoverished public services and fiscal vulnerability as they appear in central social policy domains - health, housing and education in particular. Tracing the argument into the domains where the institutions are sustained and reproduced, this book examines the movement of modern economics away from its original concern with the household and anthropologically universal deep human needs to care for the vulnerable - the sick, children and the elderly - and to maintain inter-generational solidarity. The authors argue that the financialisation of social relations undermines the foundations of civilisation and opens up a marketised barbarism. Civic catastrophes of violent conflict and authoritarian liberalism are here illustrated as aspects of the 'rough beast' that slouches in when things are falling apart and people become prey to new forms of domination. -- .

Ireland is going through a period of unprecedented economic and cultural growth and renewal. Living standards in the Republic are growing in an unprecedented manner. These changes are due in part to neoliberal policies in attracting major US capital, and in part to successfully capturing EU capital. The social consequences of these economic events have led to an Ireland which has become cosmopolitan, whose Roman Catholicism has been secularised, and to which Irish people are returning. Laws concerning divorce and sexuality have been liberalised and Ireland has become an urban society for the first time ever. This book explains what has happened socially, but also provide examples of the cultural transformation, which has allowed local creative talent to flow. At all points of the compass, Ireland is an exciting place to live. This book provides a rich analysis of Ireland, examining the problems of benefits of the changes taking place. Inevitably, in a rapidly expanding economy, there are winners and losers: where capitalism works for a wide number of people in a community, the adrenaline flows, but the people who cannot keep up may fall by the wayside. Ireland over the last 15 years, capturing the intensity of the debates that make up the new cosmopolitan multi-cultural Ireland.

Until recently, Irish religion has been seen as defined by Catholic power in the South and sectarianism in the North. In recent years, however, both have been shaken by widespread changes in religious practice and belief, the rise of new religious movements, the revival of magical-devotionalism, the arrival of migrant religion and the spread of New Age and alternative spirituality.This book is the first to bring together researchers exploring all these areas in a wide-ranging overview of new religion in Ireland. Chapters explore the role of feminism, Ireland as global `Celtic' homeland, the growth of Islam, understanding the New Age, evangelicals in the Republic, alternative healing, Irish interest in Buddhism, channelled teachings and religious visions.This book will be an indispensable handbook for professionals in many fields seeking to understand Ireland's increasingly diverse and multicultural religious landscape, as well as for students of religion, sociology, psychology, anthropology and Irish Studies. Giving an overview of the shape of new religion in Ireland today and models of the best work in the field, it is likely to remain a standard text for many years to come.