When activists, advocates, victims of injustice, and ordinary citizens seek to advance (or block) social justice and cohesion, they draw on morally charged ideals. But the wellsprings of solidarity and conflict are complex in a society as diverse as Canada, and subject to change as the meanings we attach to key social actors, activities, and institutions evolve.
The Civil Sphere in Canada digs into the dynamics of inclusion and exclusion that animate Canadian civil society. Contributors analyze how social perceptions have shifted and been mobilized by individuals and groups, especially historically marginalized groups, tackling such issues as Indigenous–settler relations, media scandals, progressive policy making, multiculturalism, urban planning, and personal relations. These distinctively Canadian cases demonstrate that legislative and institutional change is preceded by transformations in meaning. Before social justice can be done, we must agree on the injustice: profoundly harmful behaviours such as cultural appropriation, sexual misconduct, institutional racism, and even genocide may pass as routine for years before the public decides that they are unacceptable breaches of civil order.
Employing civil sphere theory – developed by Jeffrey Alexander to advance understanding of the role of civil society in effecting social change – this superb collection ushers Canadian voices into a burgeoning international debate.
Canadian social scientists engaged in social justice, solidarity, and civil repair issues will find this nuanced work a stimulating and rewarding read, as will a wide range of scholars who are making global interventions in civil sphere theory.
Participants:
Jeffrey Alexander ~ Yale Univrsity
Mervyn Horgan ~ University of Guelph, Canada
Dean Ray ~ York University, Canada
Liliana Ivanova ~ University of British Columbia, Canada
Jean Francois Cote ~ Université du Québec à Montréal, Canada
Thomas Kemple ~ University of British Columbia, Canada
Brieg Capitaine ~ University of Ottawa, Canada
Daniel Kudla ~ Memorial University, Newfoundland, Canada
Allyson Stokes ~ Memorial University, Newfoundland, Canada
Saara Liinamaa ~ University of Guelph, Canada
Zachary Hyde ~ University of Toronto, Canada
Elisabeth Rondinelli ~ Acadia University, Canada
Matt Patterson ~ University of Calgary, Canada
Chris Worden ~ University of Guelph, Canada
Laura Eramian ~ Dalhousie University, Canada
Peter Mallory ~ St. Francis Xavier University, Canada
Galen Watts ~ University of Toronto, Canada
Fuyuki Kurasawa ~ York University
Peter Kivisto ~ Augustana College
Giuseppe Sciortino ~ University of Trento, Italy