Debates about social cohesion reflect the unease of contemporary society as we face growing inequality and economic restructuring. Solidarity First examines the concept and practice of social cohesion from the perspective of its impact on, and significance for, workers.

Contributors examine the functioning of social cohesion at multiple levels. Standard approaches are challenged by highlighting the experiences of women and non-Canadians. Attempts to construct corporate forms of cohesion and community efforts to forge cohesion via the new cultural economy are investigated, while.the relationship between cohesion in Canada and the international environment is examined by considering the international activity of Canadian civic actors, the failure of Canada to live up to international labour obligations, and the implications of International Labour Organization reforms for informal sector workers.

Solidarity First concludes by arguing that reinvigorated worker solidarity is a prerequisite to moving toward a more worker-friendly form of social cohesion.

Robert O’Brien is the LIUNA-Mancinelli Professor in Global Labour Issues and Chair of the Department of Political Science at McMaster University.

Robert O'Brien's profile page

Solidarity First is about working class experience in the era of globalization and neo-liberalism; the contributors show how this experience provides an invaluable lens through which to evaluate the discourse and set of practices that go under the label "social cohesion." Well-written and clear, it will be read by researchers in a variety of social science disciplines.

Stephen McBride, co-editor of Global Turbulence: Social Activists' and State Responses to Globalization