Public Opinion and Canadian Identity

Public Opinion and Canadian Identity offers a profound exploration of the complex and evolving nature of Canadian national identity, as seen through the lens of public opinion data spanning two decades. Mildred Schwartz's work examines the deep-seated historical and ideological contrasts between Canada and the United States, emphasizing how Canada’s identity has often been shaped by its resistance to American revolutionary values. Unlike its southern neighbor, Canada emerged from a counter-revolutionary tradition, influenced by a colonial legacy and a gradualist approach to political and social change. Through extensive analysis of Canadian Gallup poll data, Schwartz provides valuable insights into how Canadians have understood their own national character, regional allegiances, and the role of political parties in fostering national unity. The book highlights key tensions within Canadian identity, including the long-standing divide between English and French-speaking populations, regional disparities, and Canada's ambiguous relationship with Britain and the United States. Schwartz argues that Canadian political parties have played a crucial role in shaping national cohesion, mediating between diverse cultural and political forces. By applying a comparative perspective, she situates Canada's national development within broader global patterns, illustrating how national identity formation is influenced by historical events, political structures, and public perception. This meticulously researched study not only deepens our understanding of Canadian society but also offers an important methodological contribution by demonstrating the value of public opinion research in analyzing national identity. This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1967.