![European and Irish flags waving outside of the European Commission offices](https://www.mmu.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/page_header_half/public/2021-05/1180219051.jpg?h=0cdce740&itok=S_v0dI2n)
Research: Exploring the Economic Impact of Inequality Post-Brexit
Discovering how people living in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are being affected by the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union.
About
Research summary
The project examines the consequences of Brexit for the island of Ireland - in particular the impact on individuals and what the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union (EU) means for inequality.
There are now two new distinct relationships with the EU on the island: the Republic of Ireland remains an EU member state while Northern Ireland is part of the UK, a non-EU member state.
These new relationships affect individuals either side of the border in differing ways, which the project seeks to understand. It asks:
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How is economic inequality understood and experienced by individuals post-Brexit?
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How does economic inequality impact individuals’ attitudes towards the EU post-Brexit?
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How does EU/non-EU membership impact individuals?
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How can the EU, Irish and UK governments work effectively and lead to better material outcomes for individuals post-Brexit?
While much has been written about Brexit and the impact on the border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, little is known about how it will affect individuals’ attitudes towards economic inequality.
There is little research into whether individuals think they will be better or worse off financially as a result of Brexit. And there is an evidence gap about understanding how access and opportunities for individuals will differ because of this new relationship.
The project will put its research findings in context, tracing the history of public attitudes to and understanding of membership of the EU on the island of Ireland.
Research outputs
Book
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Simpson, K (forthcoming 2021) Ireland and the European Union: Economic, political and social crises Manchester University Press
Academic papers
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Simpson, K (2019) European Union Crises and Irish Public Opinion: Continuity and Change in Patterns of Support, Irish Political Studies
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Simpson, K (2018) What to do about inequality? Support for the European Union and Further European Integration in the Republic of Ireland, Irish Political Studies
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Simpson, K (2018) The Model EU Citizen? Explaining Irish Attitudes towards the EU, Political Insight, Vol. 9, Issue 1, pp 16-19
News and blogs
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Dr Kathryn Simpson invited to launch European Movement Ireland Red C Poll 2021 on Ireland and the European Union, European Movement Ireland
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Manchester Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence appoints Dr Kathryn Simpson as Deputy Director, Manchester Metropolitan University News Story
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Countdown to Brexit: the UK in 2025 - Dr Kathryn Simpson invited to the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA), Dublin, Ireland
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Simpson, Kathryn (2021) Support for the European Union in Ireland remains high but there is no room for complacency, Irish Association for Contemporary European Studies
Team
Funding
Contact us
For general enquiries about the Manchester Centre for Economic Policy, you can contact its lead Dr Craig Berry.