120 DEBORAH KINGHAN
notes, is that the Northern Irish political system centres on issues of nationalism and
community identity, even when the subject under debate is not directly linked to these
topics. A power-sharing political system which draws attention to community
distinctions may not be capable of fully providing institutional support or providing a
model of cooperation if identity issues distract from everyday political development.
Additionally, political parties are accused of having little reason to alter the
segregated system, as it currently upholds their status and position.
The final optimal condition, “promotion of equality” is evident in employment,
especially in policing reforms initiated by the Good Friday Agreement which
implemented the ‘50:50’ recruitment of Protestants and Catholics (Ellison 2007;
Tausch et al 2007). However, in an analysis of interviews conducted with residents
from extremely segregated areas, Hughes et al (2007) found that initiatives designed
to promote optimal conditions and increase the success of intergroup contact were,
paradoxically, those which perpetuated negative feelings (especially of Protestants
towards Catholics). The Good Friday Agreement’s efforts to redress the balance of
equality between the two communities introduced measures encouraging greater
Catholic government representation and employment. Protestants viewed these
measures as concessions to Catholics, which negatively affected their community.
Catholics expressed caution to contact with Protestants, due to increased hatred and
threats caused by these perceived concessions (Hughes et al 2007). Tajfel and Turner
(1979) explain that even when groups are given equal status within a specific context,
the traditionally high status group may feel their social identity is being threatened,
and competition between the groups may recommence. Tropp and Pettigrew (2005)
also highlight that despite the presence of optimal conditions to the onlooker, there
can be a perception of differences. For example, the minority status group may not be
convinced that equality has yet been achieved in the contact situation.
Consequences and solutions for the present situation
Despite the paucity of research in this area, a number of recent studies examine some
of the factors which influence contact effectiveness in Northern Ireland. Intergroup
anxiety and intergroup trust have been identified as important mechanisms underlying