Lifelong Learning Project - School Inclusion - Preventing Early School Leaving

One City, Two Tiers: A Theological Reflection on Life in a Divided Society

Cherry Orchard Faith and Justice Group

Cherry Orchard Faith and Justice Group

Ireland 1996

Publication

English

English

This publication was researched and written by the members of a Christian Faith and Justice Group living in a local authority estate in south west Dublin. It is a ‘response to the scandal of social injustice’ that endeavours to help to create a climate in which the change which is so urgently needed is more likely to come about. The book addresses its remarks across the class divide in Irish society, with the conviction that Irish people need to cultivate solidarity, instead of division, between the social classes in order to commit to the technical changes needed to bring about a more just society.
The first part of the book recounts the experience of life in a local authority housing estate. This experience is placed within the broader context of a social analysis and a theological reflection. The second part deals with particular issues of great concern – unemployment, the situation of women, and the role of education – in the context of the Church. It indicates how Ireland has two faces: on the one hand, economic prosperity and participation in the boom; on the other, deprivation and relegation to the margins - the employed and the unemployed, the powerful and the vulnerable, the voiced and the voiceless. Among other aspects, it outlines the implications of this two tier society on education, the consequence of early school leaving and the need for a radical re-structuring of resources and actions.

This publication is a real challenge, to society in general and to Christians in particular, to reflect on the present day society and the distribution of wealth and power and the consequences of such on the equality and opportunity of everyone.

http://www.cfj.ie/images/stories/pdf/one_city.pdf

Ann Caulfield

Mayo Education Centre

Researcher