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Social Science General

Fragile Social Fabric?

Fairness, Trust, and Commitment in Canada

by (author) Raymond Breton, Norbert J. Hartmann & Jos Lennards

Publisher
McGill-Queen's University Press
Initial publish date
Jan 2004
Category
General
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9780773571228
    Publish Date
    Jan 2004
    List Price
    $95.00

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Description

The authors examine two sides of the social covenant: what Canadians expect from their society - fairness, recognition for their contribution to society, trust that others will not take advantage of them, and a sense of belonging - and what is expected from them - a sense of indebtedness to society that reflects an appreciation of how they have benefited as members of their society, a sense of obligation to help others, and a willingness to contribute to the functioning of the community and society. Based on this analysis, the authors identify a number of steps that can be taken to strengthen the Canadian social fabric.This study is especially pertinent today given the pervasive market culture that is eroding the civic culture underlying the social covenants in contemporary Western societies. It goes beyond conventional assessments that focus on economic and material dimensions of our society.

About the authors

Jeffrey G. Reitz is R.F. Harney Professor of Ethnic, Immigration, and Pluralism Studies, and professor of sociology, University of Toronto.

Raymond Breton's profile page

Norbert J. Hartmann's profile page

York University

Jos Lennards' profile page