Author Description

"The aim of this dissertation is to seek an understanding of political social structure in a Canadian province though the study of social relations. The result is a better understanding of ties among Alberta politicians"--Quoted from the introduction.This is the first study of political networks in Alberta during the period of 1905-1992 using the methodology of network theory. A statistical analysis was performed using a compilation of a wide range of published historical data. Important evidence of family linkages, ethnicity, religious affiliations, professional and occupational networks, and business linkages was discovered. A model of political life is indicated and used to show the effect of these elites. Suggestions are made to get better accountability and a broader representation of the general populace.