Q1: Examine the relevance of the Functionalist and Marxist perspectives to an

understanding of social change in Caribbean society.

Points:
- Define social change the changes in the social institutions of society.
- Social change is quite evident in the region; we see this in our religious, political,
social, economic and educational system.
- The Functionalists perspective:
The functionalists are not big fans of social change because this would mean that
they have to accept that society is not uniform and stable. The question to ask is: If
society is always working for the benefit of people, why does it change? Should it
not be stable? The functionalists argue that social institutions have to change to
cater to the needs of people this is why society changes over time:
The functionalist perspective may be applied to the region given the changes in the
social institutions:
(a) The economic sector mention Carl Stone and Dereck Gordon change from an
agricultural to a highly professional sector to encourage better standards of living
and ensure that Caribbean people are able to move up the social ladder
(b) The political system the rise of blacks to power to cater to the needs of those
at the bottom of society
(c) The expansion of the educational system
- The Marxist perspective
The Marxists are convinced that social change is quite relevant in society and in
caused because of exploitation. By this, the people at the bottom of society rise to
challenge their social position. The Marxists position on social change in the region
could be seen in:
(a) The Ras Tafari Movement
(b) The Slave Rebellions and the activities of the slaves after emancipation
(c) The Morant Bay Rebellion
(d) The rise of Garveyism
(e) The Indentureship period