Taking Social Research to the Larger World - Softcover

Harvey, Edward B

9781551302553: Taking Social Research to the Larger World

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1551302551 ISBN 13: 9781551302553

Publisher: Canadian Scholars Press, 2005

Taking Social Research to the Larger World is the remarkable story of Professor Edward Harvey’s twin track career as a university professor and consultant specializing in social policy issues – a forty year journey that blossomed with the dynamic Trudeau era and the search for ‘The Just Society.’ In Prime Minister Trudeau’s words: "Until Canada is given the opportunity of utilizing to the full the offerings of all Canadians, the country and the people who live in it will not gain fulfillment." With its richly detailed accounts of early life at Princeton, royal commissions, government task forces, and private sector assignments, this book will be a compelling read for anyone interested in policy, organizational change, equality issues, and the recent history of Canada’s sometimes fragile confederation. Dr. Harvey’s journey is impeccably written and tremendously engaging. The author’s abilities as a story teller are finely tuned. Although biographical, this book is, in large part, a history of Canada too. Context is everything and the author has woven his life together with Canada’s recent past quite beautifully. The author leads us through the strong post-war economic growth and the demographic explosion that came to be known as the baby boom, and on to the resulting dramatic social policy developments. Details of behind-the-scenes events and conversations add humour and realism to the ‘characters’ in a highly entertaining fashion. The author captures the era remarkably well. He intertwines personal interests in jazz, chess, and abstract art with the pursuit of university education and developing an understanding of political and social issues. The author very clearly describes the optimism of the 1950s and early 1960s; the tremendous social revolution of the 1960s; the JFK assassination; and the Marxist 1970s. Canadian society was transformed in many, many ways – health care, education, employment, immigration, urban development, and the quest for equality of opportunity. Themes of intellectual curiosity, a genuine love of learning, brainstorming, camaraderie, and teamwork are evident at every turn. Challenge and innovation have indeed directed Dr. Harvey’s twin track career and unique vision.

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About the Author:

Dr. Edward Harvey is one of Canada’s leading sociologists. He holds B.A. and M.A. degrees from the University of British Columbia and a Ph.D. from Princeton. Most of his academic career has been with the University of Toronto where he has specialized in research and teaching in the areas of applied social research and policy studies and issues related to equity and diversity in educational institutions and the workplace. For the past thirty-one years he has served as president of his consulting group, leading a wide range of projects for all levels of government and the private sector.

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