If increased diversity poses a barrier to the establishment of trust (both interpersonal and institutional) and network formation, and if the future of Canada is one of increasing diversity, particularly in large cities, then our ability to support and strengthen an inclu- sive society may be challenged. [...] With respect to place characteristics, there is an undercurrent in the litera- ture that suggests the larger and more diverse a city, the lower the levels of social capital. [...] A number of authors, both in Canada and the United States, have looked at the issue of social capital and minority status and have con- cluded that minorities score lower on measures such as trust and participa- 10 MBC: Social Capital Formation and Diversity tion (see Cheong 2006; Saguaro Seminar 2000; Takhar 2006; Glaeser et al. [...] The second question speaks to the effect of broader societal influences on these constructs, specifi- cally the impact of size and level of diversity of an individual's community. [...] In this empirical analysis, we use exploratory and confir- matory factor analysis (EFA and CFA) and Multiple Indicators Multiple Causes (MIMIC) structural equation models both to establish the validity of social cap- ital constructs (e.g., factor loadings associated with the constructs and validity coefficients) and to identify relevant individual and place-related influences on the constructs (st.

"Dealing with the consequences of a rising ethnic and cultural diversity will most likely be among the major challenges of the 21st century, particularly in immigrant-receiving countries in Europe, North America, as well as Australia. The sharp increase in ethnic diversity has questioned the relevance of many structures, policies, and practices that were based on the premise of ethnic/cultural homogeneity of populations in such countries. Based on several years of extensive research on this topic in Canada, this book offers an image, in which ethnic diversity is associated positively with social goods. In particular, the study reported here shows that Canada does not seem to have suffered from the rising diversity. The findings also suggest that the key element that can translate diversity into positive outcomes is an increased social interaction - and not merely an inter-cultural understanding - among people of diverse backgrounds."--GoogleBooks.

Social capital is arguably the most critical idea to emerge in the social sciences in the last two decades. Emphasizing the importance of social networks, communication, and the symbolic and material exchanges that strengthen communities, social capital has been the subject of an expansive body of literature. Social Capital, Diversity, and the Welfare State represents a landmark consideration of the diverse meanings, causal foundations, and positive and negative consequences of social capital, with a particular focus on its role in mitigating or enhancing social inequalities. The chapters, written by economists, political scientists, and sociologists, address a range of empirical and theoretical issues. This book is cutting-edge addition to the field that offers fresh insights into the conceptualization, operation, sources, and consequences of social capital in Canadian society.

A Dynamic Balance illuminates the importance of understanding the social dimension of sustainability as it examines the links between social capital and sustainable development within the overall context of local community development. Looking at case studies in both Australia and Canada, it draws upon lessons that can be learned to reconnect large urban centres and smaller communities. Given the number of small communities in both countries struggling to diversify from single-resource economies in a context of increasing globalization, the analysis touches on several critical public policy issues. This is a timely and provocative call for reconciliation and reconnection within and between communities.

Housing insecurity, intensified employment anxiety, access to adequate services, and fear of personal and structural violence are some of the issues troubling today’s cities and municipalities. Often, these conditions most affect residents whose place in the social hierarchy makes them particularly susceptible to exclusion. Seeking to redress these trends and guide research to facilitate meaningful local action, Toward Equity and Inclusion in Canadian Cities promotes more inclusive urban environments by highlighting and comparing theoretical and practice-based insights. Building on feminist, anti-racist, and anti-colonialist arguments to offer action-oriented solutions to inequalities and exclusions, the contributors to this volume tackle themes such as LGBTQ inclusion, health disparities, diversity initiatives, and urban planning dilemmas. Through a lens of critical praxis the book explores the challenges of collaborations, the negotiations required to reconceptualize research relations, and the ways in which values and practices inform one another. In light of the growing complexity, interrelations, and interactions of our world, Toward Equity and Inclusion in Canadian Cities is a timely work that speaks to a diverse audience of activists, policy makers, community organizations, and researchers of various disciplines.

The volume brings together some of the leading scholars around the world working on social capital to study how individuals and groups access and use their social relations and social connections to do better in society in order to achieve their goals.

The idea of a social capital research program has become increasingly significant within the social sciences. This collection of essays considers integration and standardization of measurement instruments and research on social capital.

This report provides a summary of presentations and discussions at a conference on the possible roles social capital may play in fostering or hindering the processes of immigrant integration and the management of diversity. It examines, in particular, questions related to the economic participation of immigrants and ethno-cultural groups, education, community and neighbourhood dynamics, civic and political participation, and the role of government and stakeholders.

Social capital is fundamentally concerned with resources in social relations. This Handbook brings together leading scholars from around the world to address important questions on the determinants, manifestations and consequences of social capital. Vario