Lace Curtain And Shanty Irish

In the cities and towns of Ireland and the United Kingdom, there was a sharp distinction between the "Lace Curtain Irish" and the "Shanty Irish." The Lace Curtain Irish were those who had achieved a level of economic success and social status, while the Shanty Irish lived in poverty and squalor.

The Lace Curtain Irish were often descended from the original Irish landowners, while the Shanty Irish were mostly descended from the peasantry. The Lace Curtain Irish lived in large, comfortable homes, while the Shanty Irish lived in small, overcrowded slums.

The Lace Curtain Irish had access to education and employment opportunities, while the Shanty Irish were often illiterate and unemployed. The Lace Curtain Irish were often involved in politics and community affairs, while the Shanty Irish were often excluded from the political process.

The Lace Curtain Irish and the Shanty Irish had very different experiences of life in Ireland and the United Kingdom. The Lace Curtain Irish enjoyed the privileges of wealth and status, while the Shanty Irish endured the hardships of poverty and discrimination.

The distinction between the Lace Curtain Irish and the Shanty Irish began to blur in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as Ireland became more prosperous and the Irish working class began to gain more political power.

Today, the terms "Lace Curtain Irish" and "Shanty Irish" are rarely used. However, the legacy of this distinction can still be seen in the social and economic differences that exist between different groups of people in Ireland and the United Kingdom.

Here are some examples of the differences between the Lace Curtain Irish and the Shanty Irish:

Lace Curtain Irish were typically middle-class or upper-class, while Shanty Irish were poor and lived in slums.
Lace Curtain Irish had access to education and employment opportunities, while Shanty Irish were often illiterate and unemployed.
Lace Curtain Irish were often involved in politics and community affairs, while Shanty Irish were often excluded from the political process.
Lace Curtain Irish had comfortable homes, while Shanty Irish lived in overcrowded and unsanitary slums.
Lace Curtain Irish had access to healthcare and other social services, while Shanty Irish often did not.

The distinction between the Lace Curtain Irish and the Shanty Irish was a major factor in Irish society for many years. It is a reminder of the deep social and economic divisions that existed in Ireland and the United Kingdom in the past.