Category: Social Issues: General

 

Title:Does money matter?: determining the happiness of Canadians.
Author(s):Sharpe, Andrew|split|Ghanghro, Ali|split|Johnson, Erik|split|Kidwai, Anam
Subject:Social determinants of health|split|Social issues – general
Publisher:Centre for the Study of Living Standards
Place of Publication:Ottawa
Date of Publication:2010
Abstract:

This report explains why people living in certain regions or cities in Canada experience higher levels of life satisfaction or happiness. We make use of micro-level data from the Canadian Community Health Survey for 2007 and 2008. After a descriptive analysis of the data on happiness in Canada, the report identifies, through an econometric analysis of both individual and certain variables in a societal context, the factors that are the most statistically and economically significant determinants of individual happiness. We find that household income is a relatively weak determinant of individual happiness. Perceived mental and physical health status as well as stress levels and sense of belonging are better predictors of happiness. We then use these estimates to account for variation in happiness at the provincial, CMA (Census Metropolitan Area), and health region level, given the characteristics of the population in these geographical units. We find that the most important reason for geographical variations in happiness in Canada is differences in the sense of belonging to local communities, which is generally higher in small CMAs, rural areas, and Atlantic Canada.

Language:English
Material Type:Report

F. SOCIAL ISSUES/F.01 GENERAL/2010 happiness-Does Money matter.pdf

 

Title:Defining and measuring social cohesion
Author(s):Jenson, Jane
Subject:Social issues – social development|split|Social issues – public participation
Publisher:United Nations Research Institute for Social Development
Place of Publication:London
Date of Publication:2010
Abstract:

The country case studies and thematic papers in this series, published jointly by UNRISD and the Commonwealth Secretariat, examine social policy issues facing small states and their implications for economic development. They show how, despite their inherent vulnerability, some small states have been successful in improving their social indicators because of the complementary social and economic policies they have implemented. Social cohesion is a concept with multiple definitions and uses in the development community. Its general aim is to ensure that all citizens, without discrimination and on an equal footing, have access to fundamental social and economic rights. Jane Jenson examines this concept in policy debates and assesses its role in social development. Part I examines the literature on social cohesion, identifying three different ‘families’ of usage and the empirical grounding of each. Part II presents a range of indicators that have previously been used to measure social cohesion. Part III provides some discussion of the lessons to be drawn and the indicators that might be used to measure social cohesion in future.

Language:English
Material Type:Report

F. SOCIAL ISSUES/F.01 GENERAL/2010 social_cohesion.pdf

 

Title:Canadians and their money: building a brighter financial future.
Corporate Author: Task Force on Financial Literacy
Subject:Income security programs – planning, policy
Publisher:Task Force on Financial Literacy

Place of Publication:Ottawa
Date of Publication:2010
Abstract:

The Task Force’s recommended plan of action reflects the views and priorities of Canadians. It is concrete, practical and affordable, and falls into five priority areas: shared responsibility, leadership and collaboration, lifelong learning, delivery and promotion, and accountability.
The 30 comprehensive recommendations are tailored to meet the diverse needs of Canadians by enhancing formal education, integrating with federal government programs, creating a single-source website, delivering clear communications and building awareness.
The Task Force believes strongly that financial literacy is critical to the prosperity of Canadians and the nation. Increasing the knowledge, skills and confidence of Canadians to make responsible financial decisions will help them meet their personal goals, enhance their quality of life and make Canada more competitive.

Language:English
Material Type:Report

F. SOCIAL ISSUES/F.01 GENERAL/2010 canadians_and_their_money.pdf

 

Title:Canada’s Vital Signs 2010
Corporate Author: Community Foundations of Canada
Subject:Housing – general|split|Health issues – general|split|Immigration – general|split|Leisure, recreation – general|split|Poverty – general|split|Social determinants of health|split|Social issues – general
Publisher:Community Foundations of Canada
Place of Publication:Ottawa
Date of Publication:2010
Abstract:

Each fall, Canadian community foundations from the Atlantic to the Pacific prepare local report cards for, and about, their communities. Like an annual check-up, each Vital Signs report looks at how one community is doing across many aspects of quality of life. What makes for ‘good’ quality of life varies from one community to another. Each Vital Signs report reflects this diversity, tracking the measures that are important to its community. On October 5, 2010, Vital Signs reports were issued in 15 communities: Calgary, Hamilton, Kingston, London, Lunenburg County, Medicine Hat, Montreal, Ottawa, Red Deer, Saint John, Sudbury, Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, and Waterloo Region. For more detail, see our local reports. Alongside diverse local priorities, runs the thread of shared concerns – issues that are important to all Canadians. To capture these issues, Community Foundations of Canada produces Canada’s Vital Signs, a web-based report focused on national issues. Within each Vital Signs issue area, an indicator is chosen to provide a snapshot of how our communities are doing across the country.

Language:English
Material Type:Report

F. SOCIAL ISSUES/F.01 GENERAL/2010 Vital_Signs_2010.pdf