Social Indicators, 1976 and Perspective Canada II: Elixirs of Reason or of Sleep?

Abstract

Both Social Indicators, 1976 and its Canadian counterpart, Perspective Canada II, are produced by government organizations with the intent to develop social indicators and provide a social report on the condition and progress of their respective nations. Having examined both publications, the author suggests that neither goal has been accomplished or properly dealt with. It is argued that to accomplish either objective in a satisfactory manner, both Social Indicators, 1976 and Perspective Canada II must change their organization, commentary, authorship, and intended audience. Among other things, such publications must seek authors outside of government and actively draw them to the attention of education and public audiences.