Fragile Truths: 25 Years of Sociology and Anthropology in Canada

Franзois Boudreau is a sociology professor at Laurentian University in
Sudbury.

This impressive work, which deals with the development of a Canadian
identity in sociology and anthropology, is divided into five parts. The
first four deal with the development of these social sciences in Canada,
the constitution of knowledge, the academic milieu, and the contribution
of sociology and anthropology to social change, while the fifth part
consists of a selected and topical bibliography.

While all of the articles make a contribution, deserving of special
mention are articles by John R. Hofley on the on-going task of
Canadianizing the disciplines; by Dorothy E. Smith on feminism and
knowledge and feminism in the academic milieu; by Janice Newson on the
impact of the corporate agenda on universities; by Jim Harding on the
contribution of Canadian sociology to Canadian social policy; by Frank
E. Jones on the evolution of the Canadian Sociology and Anthropology
Association; and by David Howes on the use of anthropology in studying
culture.

Only one article is from a Quebec sociologist (though some of the
contributors do examine the contribution of Quebec sociology), and many
other aspects of the discipline under consideration are not covered.
Aware of these weaknesses, the editors acknowledge that they “have
unintentionally marginalized other highly relevant histories.” All in
all, however, this is an enlightening book that attunes the reader to
the distinct Canadian character of these disciplines.