Ireland's Secular Shift: The Impact of Modernization and EU Integration on the Authority of the Catholic Church in Ireland

Abstract

This dissertation will examine the modernization of Irish society during the 20th century and its impact on the political influence and authority of the Irish Church. The study will focus on the challenges faced by the Church as Ireland transitioned from a predominantly agrarian and Catholic society to a more diverse and secular one. The dissertation will explore the historical overview of the Irish Church and its relationship with the State, as well as its cultural and intellectual influence on Irish society. It will also investigate the socio-economic changes that led to the decline of the Church's authority, including the growth of urbanization, increasing access to education, the changing attitudes towards religion and tradition and the role of the media and civil society in challenging the Church's dominance, as well as the impact of scandals and controversies on the Church's reputation. Moreover, this dissertation will analyse the response of the Irish Church to secularization, including its attempts to adapt to modernity, the defence of traditional values and doctrines, and its engagement with civil society organizations. In addition, it will investigate the role of EU membership in promoting progressive socio-political and legal change in Ireland, with a focus on the case of abortion. The study will also examine the history of abortion in Ireland, the Catholic Church's opposition to abortion, changing attitudes towards abortion in Ireland, and the referendum on the 8th Amendment and its repeal, as well as the impacts of the repeal on Irish society and politics. Through desk research, this dissertation will argue that the modernization of Irish society and EU membership played significant roles in challenging the political influence and authority of the Irish Church, particularly on social issues such as abortion. While the Church attempted to maintain its institutional power and traditional values, its responses were largely ineffective in the face of a rapidly changing Irish society. The findings of this research will contribute to our understanding of the dynamics between religion, politics, and social change in contemporary Ireland.