Social well-being: An analysis of the Canadian urban system

This study investigates the spatial nature of social well-being in Canada. It is premised on the hypothesis that, despite greater affluence within Canadian society, prosperity is not equally distributed. The study focusses on Canadian cities, documenting well-being through the use of social indicators.; The presentation raises both philosophical and theoretical issues of justice and welfare, situating the concept of well-being along a continuum. It then examines the utility of social indicators in studies of this nature.; The use of social indicators compares cities and clearly points to regional differences. Differences in living conditions are exhibited at both a regional and a city scale.; The principal findings depict an urban system which is differentiated on the grounds of economic, family and cultural dimensions. Geographical variation distinguishes central Canada from western Canada. The study raises broader policy issues aimed at redressing imbalances arising out of recent effects of social and economic restructuring. (Abstract shortened with permission of author.)...