Solidarity First

Debates about social cohesion reflect the unease ofcontemporary society as we face growing inequality and economicrestructuring. Solidarity First examines the concept andpractice of social cohesion from the perspective of its impact on, andsignificance for, workers. Contributors examine the functioning of social cohesion at multiplelevels. Standard approaches are challenged by highlighting theexperiences of women and non-Canadians. Attempts to construct corporateforms of cohesion and community efforts to forge cohesion via the newcultural economy are investigated, while.the relationship betweencohesion in Canada and the international environment is examined byconsidering the international activity of Canadian civic actors, thefailure of Canada to live up to international labour obligations, andthe implications of International Labour Organization reforms forinformal sector workers. Solidarity First concludes by arguing that reinvigoratedworker solidarity is a prerequisite to moving toward a moreworker-friendly form of social cohesion.