Archive for the ‘Economic prosperity’ tag
Does an economic analysis offer the best explanation for social change in Canada, 1945-1970?
Introduction
Historical assessments of post-war Canada tend to conclude that the period from mid-1940s to early 1970s was one of economic progress and great prosperity. But who benefited from economic expansion?
Historiography
John Porter, The Vertical Mosaic, argues that Canada may have been a “mosaic” of different peoples whose diversity Canadians were proud to celebrate, but these same people were organized hierarchically, where race/ethnicity were closely interconnected.
Theories
Rising standard of living, increase wages, low unemployment rate – equated to the argument for economic prosperity.
Controversies
Increasing number of women joined the workforce. Taking employment that was segmented by gender, and paid less.
Race and ethnicity also factors in how others did not share the “great prosperity”. Unskilled Italian workers, south Asian agricultural workers.
The gap between the rich and poor remained the same.
Many of Canada’s poor were working poor.
Privileged social influence of two groups: men, and people of British heritage.
Sources and methods
Consumer culture
Agricultural work. Unskilled labour. The failed unionization of the mostly female workforce at Eaton in 1948.
Events and incidents
Quiet Revolution – increased role of the state.
Conclusion
Problem with defining economic analysis – the charting of economic prosperity. Doesn’t tell the whole story. Class, race, and gender tell a different story about post war Canada. Unskilled immigrant labour. Increase number of women joining the workforce, but in low paid unequal roles.