Housing discrimination against non-Irish immigrants in Dublin

Housing Discrimination Among Irish an Non-Irish

Is there discrimination against Non-Irish living in Ireland in the Dublin Ireland Housing Market?

The immigrant population in Ireland contributes considerably to the Irish economy. However, despite their contributions, many non-Irish live in housing conditions that are less than their Irish counterparts. Many blame discrimination as the cause of these disparities. However, there are many factors that could contribute to their condition aside from discrimination. This research examines the question of whether the non-Irish live in poorer conditions that their Irish counterparts due to discrimination, or due to other factors. This survey revealed that the non-Irish living in Ireland do face considerable discrimination, as compared to their Irish counterparts. This discrimination was more prominent in the quest to purchase homes. The non-Irish in Ireland represent a significantly underserved population. This study will help to determine how to reach this segment of the population and increase housing sales in Ireland.

Is there discrimination against Non-Irish living in Ireland in the Dublin Ireland Housing Market?

Chapter 1: Introduction

As the world moves towards globalization, racism is still an issue. Although, it is more difficult to see as it is not as openly accepted as it was in the past (Soyer, 2008). The non-Irish living in Ireland constitutes a major portion of the population. Ireland has immigrants from all over the world. They all come together in search of work opportunities. Many are educated and whey they arrive, they become contributors to the Irish economy. They are affluent and work in many technical areas of the economy. Yet, only a small percentage of them ever realize the joy of home ownership. Many live in flats for their entire life, often in poorer conditions than their Irish counterparts. This study will explore the issue of discrimination among this segment of the population and will help to determine the reasons behind differences in housing conditions between the non-Irish and Irish living in Ireland.

Background

According to Silkie (2008) perceptions of racism varied among non-Irish nationals regarding the existence of racism. This study also revealed that language played a major role in the inability of non-Irish to compete with Irish nationals. Many agree that conditions for non-Irish are poorer than for Irish nationals. However, the literature disagrees as to the reasons for these disparities.

According to the 2006 Irish census, a number of ethnic groups make up the national citizenry in Ireland. These immigrants include UK nationals, Polish, Lithuanian, Nigerian, Latvian, U.S., Chinese, German, Filipino, and French nationals (CSO, 2008). Although this is not a complete list and there are many other ethnic groups in Ireland, these groups comprise the most prominent sectors of the population. Of these groups, those originating from the UK comprise the largest non-Irish group living there today (CSO, 2008).

Immigrants living in Ireland constitute a major segment of the Irish economy and landscape.

In 2007, inward migration to Ireland accounted for approximately 50% of household formation and 60% of total population growth (Finfacts, 2008). Population and employment growth are two key factors that help to predict housing market demand. This growth due to non-national Irish accounted for approximately 30% of the total demand increase over from 2002-2006 (Finfacts, 2008). Non-Irish national accounted for approximately 70% of employment growth in the fourth quarter of 2007 (Finfacts, 2008). At this time, non-Irish nationals accounted for 16% of employment in the total economy (Finfacts, 2008).

Although, non-Irish nationals were found to be well-educated, for the most part, and met many of the requirements necessary to purchase their own home, a majority of non-Irish nationals live out their lives in flats. They never realize the dream of home ownership in Ireland. Research into the reasons for this phenomenon are speculative. Discrimination is suspected to be a responsible and there is one study that seems to support this theory. However, more research is needed to clarify the connection between discrimination and the non-Irish living in Ireland.

There are many unanswered questions regarding discrimination among non-Irish living in Ireland. Some studies found in the literature review indicated that certain ethnic groups were treated better than others. However, the amount of bias in these studies is not known. This research will compare attitudes regarding discrimination of non-Irish ethnic groups living in Ireland with those of Irish nationals.

Purpose of Study

The purpose of this study is to determine if differences in opinion exist regarding discrimination of non-Irish groups living in Ireland between Irish nationals and non-Irish nationals. It will measure differences in opinion regarding discrimination. In actuality, discrimination is difficult to prove in a manner that meets empirical standards. One person may feel that they were discriminated against, while the other party does not feel that way. Discrimination is a two-sided issue and is highly subjective.

Previous studies that used survey techniques to measure discrimination only addressed the feelings of discrimination among those who claimed discrimination. These results were not compared to a control group, but were taken at face value. This study will extend that research and will compare feelings of discrimination in attaining housing between Irish nationals, who will serve as the control group, and non-Irish nationals, who will serve as the test group. This study will further research into the area by comparing the feelings of two groups regarding the issue.

Significance of Study

This study will extend previous research that examines the issue of housing discrimination among Irish nationals and non-Irish nationals. The study will explore the issue using comparative survey methodology. This research method will allow the researcher to isolate the variable of housing discrimination by the comparison of two groups. This study will provide an improved method for studying the topic of discrimination using a non-biased approach. It will fill the gaps created by previous research in the ability to explore the topic in a way that examined both sides of the issue. Previous studies only examined the opinions of ethnic groups that would have been considered the victims in the situation. This study will provide a more balanced approach to the topic area.

Rationale

The rationale for this study stems from research conducted by the Irish Census that found patterns among non-Irish citizens that may indicate that they are at a disadvantage in terms of home ownership. The study found that a majority of non-Irish live in flats for a significant portion of their lives, while only a small proportion of Irish nationals live in flats. A majority of detached dwellings are owned by Irish nationals, with very few owned by non-Irish nationals. These statistics draw attention to the types and potential availability of housing to non-Irish nationals. It raises many questions regarding the ability of non-Irish to obtain suitable housing.

Other studies found that the non-Irish living in Ireland demonstrate several other demographic traits that would make them appear to be more suitable for home ownership than the statistics reveal. The non-Irish living in Ireland are highly educated members of Irish society, yet they never own a home. According to the literature review, there are more non-Irish living in Ireland in their senior years than Irish in some age sectors. They stay in Ireland until old age, but spend their entire lives living in flats.

These disparities in the Irish Census form the rationale for the current research study. Some research exists that indicates that discrimination may be to blame for these differences in housing. Several studies also suggest that housing for non-Irish nationals is of much poorer quality than that for Irish nationals. Information from the Census and these studies serve as the rationale for the current study.

Objectives

The primary objective of this study is to examine the possibility that housing disparities between the Irish and non-Irish nationals living in Ireland are due to discrimination. The study will compare the opinions and feelings of Irish and non-Irish nationals about feelings regarding discrimination in the ability to attain housing. In addition to comparing opinions regarding housing in Ireland, the study will divided those in the non-Irish group into various ethnic classes.

The purpose of these comparisons will be to determine if one or more groups are likely to be discriminated against more than others. This comparison will help to determine if certain ethnic groups are more likely to experience discrimination than others. The objective of this research method is to provide an unbiased approach to the research topic.

Hypothesis

This research study will use several hypotheses to determine if housing discrimination is a factor in the high number of non-Irish that never own a detached dwelling. It will use comparative data analysis to determine if differences exist between different ethnic groups. The research study will use the following hypotheses to achieve the objective.

H1: Statistically significant differences will be found between Irish nationals and non-Irish nationals regarding opinions about housing discrimination against non-Irish nationals in Dublin.

H2: Statistically significant differences will be found among various ethnic groups regarding the amount of housing discrimination that exists among different ethnic groups in Dublin.

The null hypotheses in both instances will state that no statistically significant differences will be found among these groups. Differences in opinions between various study groups are expected to become apparent. These differences will help to determine the amount of bias present in opinions regarding housing discrimination among non-Irish nationals. Interpretation of these hypotheses will depend on the consistencies in opinion found between various groups.

Research Questions

The hypotheses will help to determine if the opinions of various groups in Dublin are biased. However, in order to gain a deeper understanding of the concepts being examined, the following research questions will also be explored, in addition to the hypotheses. These research questions will be addressed through specific sets of survey questions.

1. Are there differences in opinion regarding the quality of housing between Irish and non-Irish nationals living in Dublin?

2. Are non-Irish nationals well educated, at least as much as the Irish national population in Ireland?

3. Do non-Irish nationals deserve to become home owners, as much as Irish nationals?

4. Are certain ethnic groups discriminated against more than others?

These research questions will provide the key to developing a greater understanding of the impact of discrimination on non-Irish nationals in obtaining fair housing.

Conclusion

Evidence exists to suggest that non-Irish nationals may be the subjects of housing discrimination in Ireland. However, the studies that do exist may be biased, as they only surveyed one group of people. By comparing the opinions of Irish nationals and non-Irish nationals a better perspective may be gained as to whether discrimination actually exists in regards to housing conditions amongst non-Irish nationals.

One of the key difficulties in assessing discrimination is that it is difficult to prove. If one only relied upon cases that were won in the court system, it is feared that the numbers may not reflect what is actually occurring in the world. However, if one surveys those that are the purported targets of discrimination, the numbers may be inflated. People may blame discrimination for their situation, when in fact, another factor is responsible for their condition. It is difficult to gauge the accuracy of a factor that has a high degree of subjectivity, such as discrimination. This research method will provide a means to gauge more accurately the degree of discrimination present in the housing market. It will compare the opinions of those that are supposedly discriminated against with those that are accused of doing the discrimination. This method is designed to provide a more balanced perspective on the topic.

This research will provide an excellent research methodology that can be used to explore many other similar topics concerning non-Irish living in Ireland. Previous studies laid the ground work for this study by suggesting that there is a need to study this topic. If discrimination is found in the sample population, then it may represent the need to develop policies to help eliminate these biases and provide housing to non-Irish in a fair and equitable manner, just as it does with their Irish counterparts.

Chapter 2: Literature Review

The premise for this study is based on discrepancies in housing styles and types in the 2006 Irish Census. The statistics that led to the undertaking of this research study are not readily discerned. They require that one read the census with a critical and analytical eye. To date, one can find support from the mass media the discriminatory practices are used in against those of non-Irish descent, but these sources are typically laden with opinion and unsupported by academic research. Many of the sources that can be located on the topic are highly biased and cannot be considered anything more than opinion.

The appearance of discrimination exists hidden within Census statistics. In addition to this source, several studies exist that suggest the presence of discrimination against non-Irish in terms of housing, jobs, and other factors (NACD, 2007). Academic research in this area was found to be scarce. That which was found contains too much bias to be considered valid. However, it does serve as an inspiration for the conduct of valid research regarding the presence of discrimination amongst non-Irish nationals living in Dublin.

The following explores the major sources located for use in this research study in depth. It provides a critical analysis of these sources. It may be noted that a considerable amount of time is spent on the Census information, as this work constituted a major piece upon which this research is based.

Housing Characteristics of Irish and non-Irish living in Ireland

Non-Irish often decide to set down roots on the Emerald Isle and become an important part of the Irish landscape. According to the 2006 Irish Census, a majority of non-Irish residents live in cities, with the fewest settling in small towns and rural areas (CSO, 2008). A survey of housing arrangements among the Irish and non-Irish residents in Ireland reveals that key differences exist between the Irish and non-Irish population (CSO, 2008). A breakdown of the housing arrangements by national origin reveals that owner occupied housing is the preferred choice among Irish nationals and UK national living in Ireland (CSO, 2008). However, amongst the other ethnic groups, renting is still the preferred method of attaining housing arrangements (CSO, 2008). No reasons were given for these preferences. An exploration of the reasons for this statistic led to the development of the hypothesis used in this research study.

Major differences were also observed in regards to the age of the dwelling among Irish and non-Irish residents. The largest percentage of Irish nationals live in homes built between 1961 to 1980 (CSO, 2008). Irish nationals have the widest distribution in home ages. Non-Irish tend to live in homes built 2001 or later (CSO, 2008). This may indicate a more recent wave of migration into Ireland. The reasons for this would make excellent future research, but are not included in the current research study. Interestingly, amongst both nationals and non-Irish, the fewest number of persons lived in houses built between 1991 o 1995 (CSO, 2008). During this time, Ireland was undergoing economic difficulties. This statistic may reflect those difficulties, as people could not obtain financing.

The number of detached dwellings was highest for UK headed households and Irish nationals (CSO, 2008). According to the Census, this was a result of a larger number from these groups living in rural settings. Among households headed by other national groups, over 35% lived in flats. While only 7% or Irish nationals live in flats (CSO, 2008). Semi-attached, or terraced dwellings was the most popular form of housing unit among all groups, Irish and non-Irish (CSO, 2008). These statistics are the keys that are quoted in the mass media and are considered support for the existence of discrimination amongst non-Irish nationals. However, these statistics alone are not conclusive evidence that discrimination exists in the Irish housing market against non-Irish.

There may be other factors at play, such as cultural differences that may be behind the statistics. It cannot be assumed that these numbers are a direct indication of bias in the general population. The media and popular literature were quick to make inferences and draw conclusions, but the Census did not indicate the reasons for these differences, only that they exist. These assumptions led to the need for further research into the causes of these differences in housing arrangements between Irish nationals and non-Irish nationals.

Discrimination of non-Irish in Ireland

In a recent survey by the Central Statistics Office in 2004, approximately 12% of the Irish population feel that they have been the victims of discrimination for some reason (Russell, 2009). This was a self-reported survey and did not assess the legal issues of whether discrimination had occurred or not. It addressed the topic of if Irish citizens felt that they had been discriminated against in a number of settings. The highest occurrences of discrimination reported were while looking for work or in the workplace (Russell, 2009). However, the number of Irish reporting discrimination in accessing housing and financial services also ranked high on the list (Russell, 2009).

A few characteristics of the discrimination found in this study are surprising, for instance, the group was divided nearly equally between men and women who reported discrimination. Nearly 45% of the reports of gender-based discrimination were from men (Russell, 2009). The study found that younger people below the age of 25 were more likely to report discrimination than those over 65 (Russell, 2009). Researchers felt that this might have been due to reluctance on the part of older adults to interpret treatment as unequal.

The most significant finding of the study was that nearly 24% of non-Irish national felt that they had been discriminated against in the past two years (Russell, 2009). This is almost double the rate found for discrimination among Irish nationals. Non-Irish nationals felt that they had been discriminated against in seeking housing, in shops/pubs/restaurants, financial services, and transportation (Russell, 2009). Between blacks, Asians, and whites, discrimination was much more frequently reported by blacks than by Asians or other ethnic groups (Ejorh, 2006; Russell, 2009).

Discrimination in the workplace and in obtaining housing were the most significant (Russell, 2009). Only 40% of those that reported discrimination took some action against it. However, only 6% took legal action against it (Russell, 2009). Approximately 25% of the respondents felt that discrimination had a significant impact on their lives, but they did not take any action to correct it (Russell, 2009).

A study conducted by Threshold surveyed Polish migrants regarding housing arrangements in Ireland. Threshold is an agency that tries to find housing assistance for low income families in Ireland. Polish living in Ireland resulted in the highest number of requests for Threshold assistance among non-Irish people (Jordan, 2009). The study revealed that every week ten Threshold clients are threatened with illegal evictions, or ones for which there is no legal grounds. Some are given invalid notices (Jordan, 2009). Nearly 75% of the respondents that reported illegal evictions lived in the private rented sector of the housing market (Jordan, 2009). Some of the respondents had even experienced threats of violence in relation to housing discrimination (Jordan, 2009).

Comparatively, Asian immigrants reported the lowest incidence of discrimination in their needs to deal with Irish institutions (McGinnity, F., O'Connell, P. & Quinn, E. et al., 2006). Black Africans experienced the highest degree of discrimination and continue to face social stereotypes (Broman, 2002). Those of non-EU East European descent reported less discrimination than other ethnic groups (McGinnity, F., O'Connell, P. & Quinn, E. et al., 2006).These results are the basis for the portion of this research that examine differences in discrimination between the various non-Irish groups in Ireland.

The Migrant Experience

The Threshold survey indicated that 54% of migrants preparing to move to Ireland did not have accommodations rented before they arrived (Jordan, 2009). When they arrived, they found that they were relegated to poorly maintained flats that were overcrowded and substandard in many ways (Jordan, 2009). The length of tenancy is not long with 41% staying in their residence for less than one year (Jordan, 2009). This is another factor that could affect their ability to obtain homeownership. Many banks want to see longevity and stability before they will lend to them.

According to the Committee on Racism and Interculturalism, migrants to Ireland typically must settle for worse housing conditions than their Irish counterparts (Silkie, 2008). They are less likely to become home owners and more likely to have difficulty as private renters (Silkie, 2008). Migrants moving to Ireland are more likely to become homeless. They also have a tendency to cluster geographically (Silkie, 2008). Moving to a new country and a new culture are difficult. This study demonstrated that the adjustment of non-Irish may be a limiting factor in their ability to obtain home ownership.

According to Silkie (2008), migrants tend to be more highly qualified than Irish nationals. This research is considered to be highly opinionated and is not backed by sufficient evidence to consider it in lieu of census bureau information. However, in all other categories, this study agrees with a majority of the literature reviewed. For instance, it agrees that non-Irish experience occupational underachievement, tend to live in the private rented sector, and tend to live in poorer accommodations. Lack of income and language barriers tend to be bigger problems than discrimination (Silkie, 2008).

According to Silkie, clustering of the disadvantaged tended to increase the disadvantages as a whole. This study revealed that the perception of racism and harassment varied widely among non-Irish nationals. Nearly 24% of those on the Galway housing list were non-Irish nationals (Madden, 2007). This is a high percentage, considering that these numbers represent migrants.

The information contained in this portion of the study is disturbing from the standpoint that non-Irish nationals are more highly qualified than many Irish nationals, yet they appear to be underpaid and cluster in ethnically segregated bands. Although, they have many economic opportunities, other factors appear to influence their ability to purchase a home. These factors form the basis of the research questions found in this report. A racist incident only needs to be perceived to be racist by the recipient in order to be considered a racist act (Lawrence, 2008). In racism, perception of the victim is everything.

Changes in Immigrant Policy

Recently, a number of changes have taken place in regards to how Ireland treats its immigrants. For instance, as April 2008, Polish peoples, Czechs, and Slovakians were allowed to vote in the Irish National elections (McDonald, 2008). Migrants that wish to vote would have to pass a test on the English language. The reason for this decision is that many migrants decide to take up permanent residence. Ireland also intends to take the make the citizenship ceremony more readily available, allowing migrants to become permanent citizens more easily (McDonald, 2008).

In the past, social rental housing was financed and managed by the state (O'Sullivan, 2004). However, this type of housing only accounts for 7% of the housing stock available in Ireland today. The government is currently working on policies that will help to coordinate the supply and quality of housing for low-income households. This is a necessary step, as a majority of low-income housing is in the hands of private owners. The housing system in Ireland is complex. Every non-profit organization uses a different set of criteria (Rhodes, 2007). Agent behavior in the various organizations also varies drastically, creating a lack of cohesion. This creates a complex system that can be difficult to navigate, especially for those of a different culture. A clear set of guidelines and policies needs to exist regarding rental policies and programs.

Ireland has experienced periods of rapidly rising housing prices in the past. Rising prices in housing have been disproportionate to wages and other expenses. This situation made the ideal of purchasing a house an almost impossible dream for the non-Irish national (Drudy & Punch, 2005). However, this also affects the Irish national as well. However, as we discovered previously, the non-Irish have many other factors that contribute to their inability to obtain home ownership.

Conclusion

Other than the research studies and the Census mentioned in this section, suggest that discrimination amongst non-Irish nationals may be possible. Many studies and the mass media used these suggestions as the basis for sweeping claims that non-Irish nationals are the victims of widespread discrimination. This was supported by a handful of studies that surveyed the supposed victim of abuse. However, a thorough examination of these studies and a critical analysis of the evidence contained in the 2006 Census suggest that other factors may be responsible for the inability to non-Irish nationals to obtain home ownership.

From 1988-1989 almost 70,000 people left Ireland, causing Ireland to drastically change its political approach (Perchinig, Schindlauer, & Tretter, 2003). The Irish population is largely homogeneous except for migrants entering the country (Perchinig, Schindlauer, & Tretter, 2003). In the 1990s, the issue of human rights and discrimination led to the adoption of policies to ensure equality for everyone. The Employment Equality Act of 1998 formed the basis for Irish Anti-discrimination policy (Perchinig, Schindlauer, & Tretter, 2003).

Despite the adoption of these policies, discrimination still exists for groups that cannot access the system. For instance, elderly people may not be able to access the goods and services that they need (Queens' University Belfast, 2009). Many groups now exist to promote equality and acceptance of those of different ethic backgrounds in Ireland. For instance, the Multi-Cultural Resource Centre focuses on promoting equality through empowerment in ethnic communities and individuals (MCRC, 2008).

He literature review found many factors that may be responsible for the inability of the non-Irish to obtain home ownership. Some of the factors discovered were a lack of housing plans prior to entering the country, short time at rental properties, a high incidence of single family homes, and a high number employed in low paying service jobs. Language barriers and the tendency to cluster in neighborhoods of according to ethnicity are also factors that may hinder the ability of non-Irish nationals to obtain home ownership.

These factors form the basis for this research study. Discrimination of non-Irish is considered a "fact" by many; However, discrimination is difficult to prove. Other factors may be the reason for the decision that is made, but it will ultimately be blamed on discrimination rather than these other factors. A gap exists in the current literature that calls for an unbiased comparative study concerning the treatment of non-Irish in terms of obtaining home ownership in Ireland. The literature suggests that discrimination may not exist at all, but that cultural factors are more to blame. This study will use a comparative survey method to help determine if discrimination towards non-Irish may be legitimate, or whether other factors are to blame for the disparities found in the 2006 Census.

Chapter 3: Methodology

The methodology for this study uses a survey technique as the mono method. However, instead of asking them if they feel that they have been discriminated against, it will address the presence of other factors that contribute to the inability of non-Irish to obtain home ownership. One of the key factors that will be addressed is how many of the survey participants have tried to apply for home loans in the past and how many plan to do so in the future. It may be that cultural factors have more of an influence and that housing is a matter of choice, rather than discrimination. The following will explore the rationale used to choose the research methods. It will describe various elements of the research methodology, such as the sample population, data collection procedures and analysis that will be used.

Research Philosophy

One of the most difficult aspects of raw data, such as Census data, is that it can be up to interpretation of the individual. Census data only describes a population. It does not attempt to determine causality. However, for those that do not understand the nature of such data, it is easy to see relationships between various factors and to draw conclusions. This type of false assignment of causation leads to incorrect conclusions and actions as a result.

Several approaches could be taken to explore the question of whether non-Irish face discrimination in the housing market. The first is to look at data, such as the Census, that seem to indicate that non-Irish do not have the same types of housing as Irish nationals. It is difficult to ignore the raw data that indicates that a majority of Irish nationals own homes and a majority of non-Irish live in flats. However, this does not mean that non-Irish are discriminated against in their housing choice. This represents an error of false causation, where one factor is falsely attributed to another. An examination of the problem using Census data could create false causation and attribution that in reality does not exist.

The literature revealed many factors that could contribute to the fact that non-Irish tend to live in flats and opposed to owned homes. Cultural factors and personal choice cannot be ruled out. The purpose of this study is to determine if non-Irish are indeed discriminated against in their ability to obtain home ownership. Several research studies chose a methodology that focused on one particular non-Irish group and surveyed their feelings about discrimination. They used a direct method that focused on their feelings of whether they had been discriminated against in the past.

However, even the researchers of these studies discussed the problems with this method. First, the study used a sample that was already exposed to the idea that they were discriminated against. Discrimination against non-Irish, particularly groups such as Blacks, is a topic of discussion in those communities. They make comparisons to Irish nationals and non-community members, which leads them to conclude that they are discriminated against. The study subjects may have simply echoed the cultural norms and ideals of the community surrounding them. This would cause the survey results to be skewed in favor of a biased non-Irish population.

The second problem with this type of study method is one of definition. One can write a formal definition of discrimination that reads something like, "being treated unfairly, or being passed over for an opportunity, based on one's religion, sex, age, or ethnicity." This is an adequate definition as far as academics are concerned. However, the subject of discrimination in practice is much more complex than this. A person may feel that they are discriminated against, when in actuality other factors were responsible for the actions taken against them. Discrimination is an easy scapegoat, but is difficult to define in the real world.

Discrimination is a judgment call and is simply an opinion. It is unlikely that the one accused of discrimination and the accuser will agree as to the definition and application of that definition as it applies to the circumstance. The only certainty in that situation is that an accusation of discrimination will divide the two parties in such as manner that they will never agree. This factor makes it difficult to assess whether discrimination reported in research studies represents a real case of discrimination or a warped perception of the situation.

In order to overcome this difficulty, one could use actual cases of discrimination won in courts. However, the pitfalls of this methodology have already been discussed. The purpose of the study is to determine if discrimination exists in regards to housing opportunities available to the non-Irish population of Dublin. It is suggested that only a few actual cases of discrimination can actually be proven in a court of law. The key difficulty in winning a discrimination case is the veil of perception discussed earlier. Very few cases can actually pass the rigors of the court system.

However, just because few discrimination cases can pass the rigors of the court system, it does not mean that discrimination did not occur. It is likely that using court judgments as the basis for determining if discrimination occurs or has occurred would result in many real cases of discrimination being overlooked. This would skew the results of the study in favor of equality.

As one can see, the problem of determining if discrimination has occurred is difficult from an empirical standpoint. Certain methods will result in a lower attribution of discrimination, while other will result in false positive results. The same problem can be found in the study of many other research subjects. However, the topic of discrimination has many legal and moral implications that make it a pressing issue in terms of social reform and the future of Ireland.

In order to resolve these issues, this research has chosen to use a survey method that will tell both sides of the story. It will take the approach that the non-Irish will have different feelings about their situation than Irish nationals. This research method will capture the feelings of both groups through the use of a survey instrument. This research instrument will not ask directly if the person feels discriminated against. It will approach the topic through subtly worded questions that will reveal the presence of discrimination if it exists. It will differ from previous survey techniques used to study this topic in its approach to the subject matter.

Approach

The study will take place in Dublin, as it is the largest city in Ireland and one with a high concentration of non-Irish population. Sample participants will range in age from 25-44 years old and will represent a number of ethnic backgrounds. For those of mixed Irish/other origin, they will be asked to choose with which culture they most identify. The study will use 200 Irish nationals and 200 non-Irish living in Dublin. A random sampling method will be used and the research will have no control over the composition of the non-Irish group in terms of ethnicity. The study will survey both males and females within the specified age range.

Several agencies in the Dublin area will be used to help recruit subjects. The surveys will be dropped off and collected at a specified time at the agencies. Quotas for Irish and non-Irish participants will be established for each of the agencies utilized. No difficulties are anticipated in the collection of data for this study. The study will target those that have been living in Ireland for more than six months.

Strategy

This research will use a survey to assess the attitudes of Irish and non-Irish living in Dublin in regards to their opinions as to whether non-Irish face discrimination in obtaining housing. The survey will not directly address the issue of discrimination by name, but will use a number of questions to determine if discrimination has occurred according to the research definition. It will compare the attitudes of Irish and non-Irish, and will compare attitudes among various ethnic groups.

The independent variable in this study will be the ethnicity of the participant. They will be either Irish or non-Irish that live in any area of Dublin. The study will address several dependent variables, such as the type of housing, occupation of the individual, family structure, previous attempts to obtain their own home, and future plans to obtain their own home. Cultural influences will also be examined.

Mono Method

This study will use a quantitative survey with a single method of administration as its mono method. The survey questions will be worded in such a manner as to provide data that can easily be transformed into numerical data. The research will be able to use the data to make comparisons between groups and to draw conclusions based on the sample results regarding the presence of discrimination in the non-Irish community living in Dublin. The survey will be analyzed using descriptive and comparative statistical techniques.

Time Horizon

The study will use a cross sectional time horizon. It will look at the population in question for the time of the survey only. It will not include any follow up with the sample population in the future. It will only examine their feelings as they are at the time of the study.

Data Collection and Data Analysis

Survey data will be collected by distributing a number of surveys at agencies in Dublin that deal with housing and finance. They will be placed with the secretary or receptionist who will be asked to recruit survey participants as they wait their turn in the lobby of the agency. The surveys will be returned to the receptionist, who will place them in an envelope in preparation for collection by the researcher at the specified date. One half of the surveys will be labeled "For Irish Only." The others will be labeled, "For Non-Irish Only."

Only basic demographic information will be collected. No identifying information will be collected in order to protect the privacy of the participants. The surveys will be short in length, to encourage participation. Surveys will be collected until the desired number of participants in each group have been collected.

The surveys will be collected and analyzed using SPSS software. Descriptive and comparative statistical technical techniques will be used to analyze results from the two groups. First the characteristics within the two major groups will be compared, then the results between the two major groups will be compared.

The non-Irish group will be divided according to the major groups represented in the sample. Results from these groups will be cross tabulated to determine if one particular group has experienced a higher degree of discrimination than others. If it is found that one particular ethnic group is represented more than others, it could indicate that some degree of sample bias is present. If this is found to be the case, the study results will only be valid for that ethnic group and will use the number of participants in that ethnic groups to draw conclusions.

The mono method used for this study will answer the research questions regarding opinions concerning discriminatory housing practices between Irish and non-Irish living in Ireland. By comparing these two groups, it is expected that the errors of over representing discrimination or under representing discrimination, as discussed earlier will be eliminated. This study will help to either validate or disprove stereotypical assumptions regarding discrimination amongst housing choices available to the non-Irish population in Dublin. It is expected that these results will apply to the general population of Ireland as well due to the random sampling technique used.

Chapter 4: Findings and Conclusions

This study examined many factors that affect the perceptions of Irish and non-Irish regarding quality and types of housing in which they live. It examined their satisfaction with their current housing situation and their plans for the near future. It examined the differences in opinion between these groups regarding housing discrimination and the conditions of the dwellings. It examined participant's feelings regarding the communities in which they lived and how they felt that conditions compared to their ideal of the "average" Irish dwelling.

Four primary ethnic groups were identified in the study: African, Asian, European, and UK. Of these, those from the UK represented the largest group. Africans were the smallest groups. Those in the Asian and European groups were nearly identical. The following breaks down the number of subjects representing each ethnic group. The data sets were analyzed using SPSS software.

Ethnicity

Number of Subjects

UK

EU

37

Asian

35

African

18

Questions 1-3 and 5 were for the purposes of classification and qualification. Question number 4 addressed type of dwelling that the person lived in. The results of this question closely matched the results obtained in the 2006 Census. It may be noted that of those that indicated "other" as their dwelling type, 11 wrote a note to the side that indicated they were homeless.

On average, most of the participants in both categories felt that their conditions were about the same as everyone else's. There more non-Irish, than Irish that felt their living conditions were worse than others around them. However, the differences are not significant when compared to Irish nationals.

Incomes in all groups differed widely and could not be clearly categorized according to Irish or non-Irish ethnicity. The next Set of questions (9-14) asked the participants how they felt about their current living conditions and any attempts to gain loans for the purchase of a home. Once again, an analysis of the data found no clear questions in this sample set. An equal number of Irish and non-Irish felt that they had been denied a home loan for which they felt that they were qualified. The group was widely divided in terms of future plans.

Only a small percentage of each group felt that their homes were not safe. It may be noted that more than 40% of the non-Irish group indicated that they were a single parent household. The non-Irish group differed in whether they lived close to others of their own ethnicity. Some indicated that they lived in an ethnic community, while others lived in mixed communities. No patterns could be easily discerned.

Question 14 directly related to the hypothesis. It asked whether they felt that non-Irish had more difficulty in obtaining home loans than Irish nationals. Among the non-Irish, results indicated that many felt that they were discriminated against. Similar results were found among Irish nationals. Despite indications in the other questions that indicated few differences in living conditions, there was an underlying feeling that non-Irish nationals are discriminated against when it comes to obtaining housing loans. Differences were not found in this answer between the various ethnic groups.

Conclusion

This research indicated that a stereotype exists regarding the ability of non-Irish nationals to obtain housing loans. Even though the other questions do not indicate that non-Irish feel significantly different about their current living conditions or their communities. Mixed results were obtained that demonstrated no clear pattern in terms of the desire or ability to move into their own home. It would appear that the stereotype of discrimination has little foundation in terms of actual ability to move into homes.

Other elements may be a factor in the ability of the individual to move into their own home. The prevalence of low-income, single parent households among all ethnic groups is the more likely reason for the denial of home ownership. The results of this study bring into question the presence of bias in other studies. They do not confirm the results of previous studies found during the literature review.

Discrimination is difficult to prove in a legal sense. The mixed results obtained in this study do not support the existence of true discrimination among non-Irish nationals. However, this does not erase the socially-based perceptions that discrimination exists against these groups (Zick, Pettigrew, & Wagner, 2008). It appears that the existence of unrecognized confounding variables may have skewed the results of the studies upon which this research is based.

One of the key difficulties in interpreting these results is that although, it does not appear that widespread discrimination is occurring, that still does not mean that it is nonexistent. One can be certain that discrimination exists against non-Irish ethnic groups, but the results of this study indicated that it is not as widespread as society would have one believe. Non-Irish migrants face many challenges in the ability to find jobs and blend into Irish society. This study indicates that these other challenges play more of a role in the number of non-Irish able to purchase homes. Discrimination may still be present, but it is not a widespread problem among non-Irish communities.

I wanted to take the time to thank several people who have been instrumental in the completion of this project. First, of all, I would like to thank each and every one of my professors for providing me with the inspiration for this project and the knowledge to proceed. I would also like to thank my academic advisors for all of their encouragement. I would also like to thank my father, who faced many hardships as I grew up in a mixed ethnic community.