What does 'consociationalism' refer to in Northern Ireland politics?

Consociationalism refers to a governance system specifically aimed at managing a divided society by facilitating power-sharing and ensuring inclusive decision-making. In the context of Northern Ireland, this approach addresses the deep-rooted divisions along communal lines, primarily between Unionists and Nationalists. By promoting collaboration among different political and social groups, consociationalism seeks to stabilize a potentially volatile environment where competing interests can lead to conflict.

The characteristics of consociationalism include shared governance among major demographic groups, mutual veto rights, and proportional representation. These principles are designed to ensure that all significant communities have a voice in the political process, thereby reducing tensions and fostering cooperation. This system aims to create a framework where diverse factions can coexist peacefully and work together for the common good of society.

In contrast, the other options present concepts not aligned with the fundamental nature of consociationalism. Competitive governance among parties does not emphasize cooperation and inclusiveness, while increasing voter turnout deals with electoral participation rather than governance structure. Economic development strategies, though important for the region, are also unrelated to the specific political framework intended to manage societal divides.