Social Exclusion and the Labrdor Experience: Shaping
SOCIAL EXCLUSION AND THE LABRDOR EXPERIENCE: SHAPING THE POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LANDSCAPE By LISA DENSMORE Integrated Studies Project submitted to Dr. ANGELA SPECHT in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts – Integrated Studies Athabasca, Alberta FEBRUARY, 2013 Social Exclusion and the Labrador Experience: A Culture of Indifference Abstract This study began because I observed that many people in Labrador were forming specific interest groups in order to do three things: to counter the intent of government especially when government intent did not align with specific group intent; to hinder the advancement of other groups with whom one might have differing goals; and, to compete for potentially scarce resources. Formation of specific interest groups did aim to achieve social change but the competitive nature of group formation did not seem healthy, reasonable, or productive in achieving broader community goals. In this paper, I examine the complex historical, social and political relationships in Labrador to understand how complex and varied governance structures and social exclusion have contributed to this challenging political and social landscape in Labrador. In particular, this study has three goals: first, it examines how the political and social landscapes of Labrador have been shaped historically. Second, explores how varying levels of government responded to the many challenges created by community organizations and group affiliation; and third it critically interrogates the role that social exclusion has played in creating a political and social landscape that encompasses so many different groups and organization. Through careful review of the Labrador through the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s conference proceedings and the Provincial Northern Strategic Plan, I examine the complex relationships between historical, social, and political exclusion that has shaped and continues to shape Labrador’s social, political, cultural and economic landscapes.
[Show full text]