The Vertical Mosaic: An Analysis of Social Class and Power in Canada

This book looks at two important aspects in Canadian society: its class structure and the composition of its elites or power holding groups. A recurring theme in the analysis of both class and elite groups is that Canada has found itself in the middle of the twentieth century with inadequate institutional arrangements for the industrial society it has become. Its educational systems have failed to provide the necessary skills which in large measure have been recruited through immigration. Its elites have been drawn largely from middle and upper class "British charter groups." The author further submits that the strong emphasis in the Canadian value system on regionalism and ethnic differentiation has resulted in the fragmentation of the society, particularly at the political level, and lef tit incapable of dealing with some of its major problems as an industrial society. Although this is a sociological study in which evidence in related to social theory, the author has tried to avoid technical terms, and this, together with the particular relevance at the present time of a discussion of the nature of Canadian society, will make this book interesting tolaymen as well as specialists.

About the Author :
John Porter (1921–1979), one of Canada’s leading sociologists, was a professor, dean, and academic vice-president at Carleton University.

Review :
'The Vertical Mosaic will be a touchstone for social studies in Canada for some years, pushing scholar after scholar into new lines of research. It will provide teachers, politicians, and journalists with authentic information in fields where previously they relied on sketchy data or rumour. Most important, it will challenge the beliefs of many people who make decisions about the future of others, from high school principals to civil service selection boards.' (New Society) 'The Vertical Mosaic will be a touchstone for social studies in Canada for some years, pushing scholar after scholar into new lines of research. It will provide teachers, politicians, and journalists with authentic information in fields where previously they relied on sketchy data or rumour. Most important, it will challenge the beliefs of many people who make decisions about the future of others, from high school principals to civil service selection boards.' (American Political Science Review) 'The Vertical Mosaic will be a touchstone for social studies in Canada for some years, pushing scholar after scholar into new lines of research. It will provide teachers, politicians, and journalists with authentic information in fields where previously they relied on sketchy data or rumour. Most important, it will challenge the beliefs of many people who make decisions about the future of others, from high school principals to civil service selection boards.' - Robert Fulford