Socialization In Canada

As friendly neighbors, Americans often view Canada as being quite similar to their homeland in many ways. On the surface we all look pretty much the same, talk pretty much the same, and seem to have many similar interests, however once you scratch the surface it becomes clear just how much difference a border can make. The most evident physical differences are land mass and population. Although Nations Online Project (2016) identifies Canada as the second largest country in the world by land mass, the U.S. ranks third in the world for population size, containing a hefty 324,057,079 people, while Canada places modestly in thirty-eighth with a population of 36,307,894, almost two hundred ninety million fewer than the U.S.

Geography and Housing

Although there is some controversy over the effect on social and community relationships, evidence supports its binary role in society. In their study of the effects of technology on social relationships and community, Veenhoff, Wellman, Hogan, and Quell (2008) confirm that even moderate internet use (defined as 5-60 minutes per day) consistently resulted in higher percentages of time spent alone, increasing steadily with greater amounts of ‘screen time’. Despite the decrease in face-to-face contact, research actually concludes that people are more connected than ever. Advancements have opened up a multitude of opportunities for communication, which is leading to a closer, more tight-knit society. Although technologies are pointedly more invasive in American culture (with fewer content/privacy restrictions), the effects on social relationships and community are tantamount to Canadian findings (Aspen Institute,

Global Affairs Canada (2014) expresses distinct differences between Canadians and Americans. Typically speaking, Canadians are more reserved, more modest with social relationships and social standing, and place a great deal of value in political correctness and fairness for all. For that, and many other reasons, they adamantly try to distinguish themselves from their southern neighbors. In addition to modest and polite social etiquette, all people regardless of age are believed to play a valuable role in society, contributing a variety of proficiencies to a communally driven society. Mature members of society are revered for their knowledge, experience, and mentorship, while younger and more inexperienced individuals contribute immeasurable value with innovative ideas and new perspectives. They believe that using experienced mentors to help guide those new ideas is the key to success (Global Affairs Canada, 2014). Gender roles closely resemble those of the U.S. with female participation in the workforce at an all-time high, while participation in domestic duties decline. As female household duties decline, male domestic participation is steadily on the rise (Marshall,