Canadian Society in the Twenty-First Century: An Historical Sociological Approach by Trevor W. Harrison and John W. Friesen (review)

This book is the third edition of a textbook written by two leading scholars in the field of Canadian society. As the title suggests, Harrison and Friesen adopt a historical sociological approach. This interdisciplinary approach very much appealed to me as I adopt a historical political approach in my own research and teaching. And the scholarly fruits of the interdisciplinary approach taken by Harrison and Friesen are clear to see. They emphasise that their wide-ranging study of Canadian society is very much situated in its historical context, which is one of the major things that adopting a historical approach can bring.

The book is divided into three sections: the first looks at the relationship between Quebec and the rest of Canada; the second explores the impact of interaction with the United States of America on Canadian society; and the third studies Canada's continuing experience with the Indigenous nations within its territory. The authors intentionally, and quite rightly in my opinion, deal with the Indigenous experience last so as to avoid the long-standing practice of beginning with this, with the implication that it is a historical experience, which was followed by interaction between the two European founding peoples of the country. The book is also unique in exploring these three themes together in depth.

Unsurprisingly Harrison and Friesen, being sociologists, devote some time and space in the introduction dealing with definitions surrounding what is society, what is a nation, what is a state and so forth. Again they make the important point that quite often the latter two terms are conflated into the one term 'nation-state' which is both confusing and misleading. As mentioned above, what the authors do, which is perhaps rare for more traditional sociological textbooks, is they approach the three subjects above from a historical approach. Emphasis is placed on historical narrative for example, which again is another classic hallmark of a historical approach.

The book deals with four major themes. First, that the study of Canadian society cannot be undertaken without placing it in its historical context. Second, the study of society cannot be separated from its connection to the market and the state. Third, sociological theory should not be used in a didactic or decorative way, but instead as a true prism for studying and comprehending issues and events. And fourth, the book should be regarded as encouraging sociologists to agree to employ its perspectives to analyse contemporary problems and issues.

This is an extremely valuable book, which will be of interest mainly to scholars (for teaching purposes) and students. Its clear writing style will certainly help towards this, especially in regard to the latter. The book will mainly appeal to sociologists, although historians might also find it useful, and it is highly recommended.