Unit 4 Research Questions

Social & Cultural Trends

Immigration and Refugees

  • How did changes in the number and origins of immigrants and refugees influence Canadian society and identity during this period?
  • How did Canadian policies toward immigration and refugees reflect evolving social attitudes and values?
  • In what ways did immigration contribute to Canada’s transition from a bicultural to a multicultural society?

Birth, Marriage, and Divorce Rates

  • How did changes in birth, marriage, and divorce rates reflect shifting societal values during this period?
  • What factors contributed to changes in family structures and dynamics in Canadian society?
  • How did these trends influence public policy and social services, such as childcare and family law?

Urbanization and Suburban Growth

  • What factors contributed to continuing urbanization and the growth of suburbs in Canada during this period?
  • How did suburbanization shape Canadian lifestyles, communities, and cultural identities?
  • In what ways did urbanization create new social and economic challenges, such as housing and transportation issues?

Development of the Social Safety Net

  • What were the major milestones in the development of Canada’s social safety net during this period?
  • How did programs like universal healthcare, unemployment insurance, and old-age pensions reflect changing attitudes toward fairness and equity?
  • In what ways did the expansion of the social safety net contribute to Canada’s identity as a socially progressive nation?

Biculturalism and Multiculturalism

  • How did the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism address cultural tensions between English and French Canadians?
  • What led to the official adoption of multiculturalism as government policy, and how did this shift reflect broader social changes?
  • How did multiculturalism influence Canada’s national identity and its global reputation?

Concerns with Rights, Fairness, and Equity

  • What were the key civil rights movements in Canada during this period, and what progress did they achieve?
  • How did public attitudes toward fairness and equity evolve in areas such as labor rights, racial equality, and Indigenous rights?
  • In what ways did these movements contribute to Canada’s identity as a nation committed to justice and equality?

Countercultural and Social Protest Movements

  • What were the goals of countercultural movements in Canada, and how did they challenge traditional norms and values?
  • How did environmental movements, such as the fight to save wilderness areas, reflect growing concerns about sustainability?
  • In what ways did social protest movements shape government policies and societal attitudes?

Role and Status of Women

  • How did the women’s liberation movement address issues such as workplace equality, reproductive rights, and political representation?
  • In what ways did the changing role and status of women influence Canadian society and family dynamics?
  • How did legislative changes, such as equal pay laws and maternity leave policies, reflect shifting attitudes toward gender equity?

Broad Assessment

  • Which social or cultural trend had the most significant impact on Canada’s development during this period, and why?
  • How did these trends collectively shape Canada’s identity as a diverse and inclusive nation?
  • In what ways did these developments reflect global social and cultural changes?

Legacy of Social and Cultural Trends

  • How do the social and cultural changes of this period continue to influence Canadian society today?
  • What lessons can be drawn from these trends about the challenges and opportunities of balancing tradition and progress?
  • How did these developments contribute to Canada’s reputation as a leader in social innovation and multiculturalism?