Abstract
This paper explores gendered and racialized income inequality and its implications for ‘belonging’ and inclusion in Toronto, Canada. Once regarded as one of the world’s most livable cities, globalization related changes have caused dramatic transformations in Toronto and across the country. Canada’s growing precarious labor market now accounts for the employ of almost 30% of Canadian workers. Characterized by the uncertainty of continuing employment, low wages and minimal regulatory protection, these labor market differences mark a major social divide that is perhaps especially visible in Toronto, a key labor market hub. These employment shifts and their social and economic effects have been exacerbated by the retrenchment of social citizenship rights and welfare benefits. In this context, accompanied by US-styled ‘workfare’ requirements, low-income lone mothers are an increasingly vulnerable population. This economic vulnerability is marked in place and space. This paper utilizes data from a longitudinal research program that examined the impacts of work-first welfare policy and labor market change on poor lone mothers in 3 Canadian cities. Data from 3 sets of interviews with 38 lone mothers from Toronto are analyzed exploring women’s attachment to place and experiences of urban life. Explored are themes of safety, engagement, integration – and exclusion - to understand whether and to what extent the assets of a city such as Toronto accrue to its citizens who are gendered, racialized – and poor. The paper concludes with reflections on the implications of these changes for Canadian cities, for social cohesion and a sense of belonging.
Presenters
Lea CaragataDirector and Associate Professor, School of Social Work, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
CITIZENSHIP, POVERTY, LONE-MOTHERS, PUBLIC-SPACE
