<p> This dissertation uses multilevel models to test the veracity of two
competing theories regarding the effect of Aboriginal language use on
socioeconomic well-being. The cohesion hypothesis suggests that
Aboriginal language use will contribute to a sense of ethnic identity and, in
turn, to socioeconomic prosperity. The ghettoization hypothesis suggests
that Aboriginal language use will reduce well-being by contributing to
social and economic isolation. </p> <p> Descriptive statistics from the 2001 Census of Canada support the
ghettoization hypothesis. Compared to Aboriginal people who do not use
an Aboriginal language, Aboriginal language users have lower levels of
educational attainment, income, labour force participation and
employment. Multilevel models however, demonstrate that neither
hypothesis merits unqualified support. Aboriginal language users are
predicted to have lower well-being than non-speakers under some
circumstances- most notably in non-Aboriginal communities. Under other
circumstances, however, the opposite is true. Tests of the mechanisms by
which Aboriginal language use is supposed to affect well-being also have
inconsistent implications. Additional research is proposed that might clarify
the apparently complex relationship between Aboriginal language use and
well-being. </p> <p> Aboriginal language use in Canada is declining very rapidly. Of the
dozens of Aboriginal languages used in Canada today, only a few are
expected to survive into the next century. This dissertation may provide
guidance to Aboriginal leaders tasked with allocating resources, as well as
to politicians and policy-makers faced with increasingly urgent demands to
support Aboriginal language maintenance. </p> / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:mcmaster.ca/oai:macsphere.mcmaster.ca:11375/19379 |
| Date | 02 1900 |
| Creators | O'Sullivan, Erin |
| Contributors | Fox, J., Sociology |
| Source Sets | McMaster University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
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