1. What impact did the high rates of unemployment and emigration have on Irish society during the 1950s?
2. What role did the Catholic Church play in Irish society in the 1950s? 3. Why did marriage rates decline in this period? 4. What was the marriage bar? 5. What impact did emigration have on Irish society during the 1950s?
6. Why did few students make the transition from primary to secondary education during the 1950s?
7. What was the purpose of vocational schools? 8. What were industrial schools? 9. Briefly discuss the weaknesses of the Irish education system in the 1950s.
10. How did censorship impact on the creative arts during the 1950s? 11. What developments took place in the Irish language in this decade? 12. What do you think were the most significant issues facing Irish society during the 1950s?
HIGHER LEVEL 1. Do you think it is a fair assessment to refer to 1950s Ireland as the ‘Lost Decade’? 2. What influence did the Catholic hierarchy have on Irish society during the 1950s? 3. What impact did the economy have on Irish society during the period?
4. Were the 1950s a fruitful period for writers of English and Irish works? Argue your case, referring to both.
ORDINARY LEVEL 1. Why was the level of emigration high during the 1950s? Give reasons for your answer. 2. Write a detailed paragraph on the following: • Developments in the Irish language • The Catholic clergy and their influence on society • The role of women • Education
GOVERNMENT, ECONOMY AND SOCIETY IN THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND, 1949–1989 429
