‘What is your name?’ Migrant identity in the light of the unique Belfast experience

Abstract

This article examines the formation of migrant political identity within a polarized society navigating its own social and demographic challenges in the aftermath of conflict. Northern Ireland, historically divided along ethno-political lines, is increasingly becoming a home to a diverse range of nationalities and cultures. In this context, this article explores how migrants’ political identities and activism are shaped within a complex socio-economic landscape. The process of political engagement in this post-conflict society requires significant adjustment, as migrants must not only understand the intricacies of the local political environment but also actively contribute to it. By investigating this dynamic, this article highlights the intersection of migration, identity, and political activism in a society striving for reconciliation while also contending with the evolving challenges of diversity and inclusion.