From Monopoly to Market

This chapter explores how the religious landscape of the island of Ireland changed from one of monopoly Catholicism to a mixed, post-Catholic religious market. It explores differences and commonalities north and south, particularly after partition in 1921, and discusses how the Catholic Church’s monopoly was displaced, emphasizing the role of media and television, the changing role of women in society, changes within Catholicism itself (especially after Vatican II), and the impact of clerical sexual abuse scandals. It also describes contemporary Ireland’s mixed, post-Catholic religious market, noting the individualization of religion, tracking changes in religious identification and beliefs, and charting the island’s increased religious diversity. It argues that extra-institutional expressions of religion have become important players in this market, with the potential to prompt further transformation.

Business · Economics · Market economy · Monopoly · Irish and British Studies · Religion and Society Interactions · Religious Tourism and Spaces