Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-1-1998
Abstract
Previous studies on national identity have centered around national identity formation by individuals because of the influence of values and preferences; social connectedness through social interactions; and values orientation of individuals and groups and their ability to change. Talking to a cross section of ordinary Canadians in their own setting about their experiences, stories and thoughts on what is happening in Canada provides an opportunity to assess their thoughts and ideas about a unique Canadian identity. The design of the research is qualitative utilizing experience-based information gathering. Oral histories were conducted with 64 ordinary Canadians from all provinces and regions, ethnic backgrounds, ages and walks of life. The oral histories were analysed for emerging themes. Canadians are perplexed, within the vast geographic area, about their position in time and place. There is a feeling that they must continually attempt to define and redefine themselves in terms of their identity. Themes or categorization identified were: a) deference and conformity, b) complexity, c) historical dimensions, d) participation and patriotism, e) diversity, f) continuity, g) myth and reality, h) solitude and isolation, and i) relevance of time and place. The audience for this applied research project includes government policy makers, academic political scientists and target marketers. A future project in this area would include reenacting a similar project following the same methodology to determine whether the emerging themes and concerns identify change over time, and what are the lengths of those periods of time.
Keywords
nationalism -- Canada
Rights
© The Author(s). Kelvin Smith Library provides access for non-commercial, personal, or research use only. All other use, including but not limited to commercial or scholarly reproductions, redistribution, publication or transmission, whether by electronic means or otherwise, without prior written permission is strictly prohibited.
Department/Center
Design & Innovation
Recommended Citation
Higginson, Jim, "Ordinary Canadians: Identity of Time and Place" (1998). Student Scholarship. 321.
https://commons.case.edu/studentworks/321