The Organized Ukrainian Community in Hamilton, Ontario: A Case Study of Future Corporate Viability

Abstract

<p>This thesis will investigate the question of whether the organized Ukrainian community in Hamilton, ontario has insti tuted the necessary structural and attitudinal foundation in order to continue as a viable organized collectivity in the future. This question is of sociological importance, as it centers on the critical transitional phrase of organized life being experienced by this sub-community and its ability and willingness to adapt to changing social reality. Internal and external assimilative pressures have challenged the future organizational integrity of this community--generating the need for a reappraisal of organizational goals, activities, and most importantly, membership composition. An analysis of the character of the secular organizations comprising this community will underscore its self-enclosed nature. This feature, in con j unction with ass imila ti ve social forces, has resulted in the development of two major schisms: one vertical, the other horizontal. The vertical schism refers to the inter-generational problem of leadership succession within these secular organizations. The horizontal schism refers to the relationship that currently exists between members of the I organized I, and the numerically larger 'unorganized' components of the Ukrainian ethnic group. The latter, ha ve been traditionally excluded from active organizational participation of the former. This thesis contends that in order for the Ukrainian community to remain a wellorganized collectivity, it will need to incorporate members of the unorganized community. This task, however, presupposes both structural and attitudinal reform. The areas of organizational accommodation and barriers to reform will be expli cated wi th reference to the two fundamental schisms operative in this community.</p>