In 1975, 65 per cent of Canadians agreed that 'the political and economic system we have is about the best there is.' Today, that figure stands at just 33 per cent, according to veteran pollster Reginald Bibby.
Declining Optimism Across Generations
At age 83, Bibby has been tracking Canadian attitudes for five decades. His latest book, The Canadian Transformation: Social Trends 1975 to 2025, reveals a nation that has grown increasingly dispirited. People are placing less importance on friendliness, reliability, honesty, having babies, and 'being a Canadian.'
Bibby, a University of Lethbridge sociologist emeritus working with the Angus Reid Institute, finds that disillusionment is widespread. In 1975, only 10 per cent felt their financial situation was worsening; now that proportion has swelled to 37 per cent.
Hopelessness and Despair on the Rise
Using traditional sociological methods, Bibby has asked Canadians for decades whether they believe 'the lot of the average person is getting worse, not better.' In 1975, less than half agreed. Today, almost four out of five Canadians concur.
Attitudes toward having children have also shifted. In 1975, only 27 per cent agreed that 'it’s hardly fair to bring children into the world with the way things look for the future.' Now, in an era of climate change, unaffordable housing, and insecure jobs, nearly half (47 per cent) share that pessimism.
Happiness Levels Plummet
Bibby has been tracking happiness for 50 years as Canada’s population nearly doubled to 41.5 million. The proportion of Canadians who say they are not happy has almost tripled, now encompassing three in ten residents. About 76 per cent of seniors report some happiness, compared to only 65 per cent of those under 55.
While not all findings are bleak, Bibby notes distinct downsides in how Canadians view themselves, each other, and their institutions. The data paints a picture of a nation that has become more pessimistic over half a century.
