Caribbean Studies: Social Stratification 2014

Definition
Social stratification is the social arrangement of society based on criteria such as race, wealth
and education.

It is the sharp division of ranking of social groups within a society according to wealth, power,
prestige, education, occupation, profession and religion.

Social stratification is a well structured form of social inequality. Social groups are ranked in
order of power, prestige and wealth of their members.

Social stratification systems can be open or closed systems.

Each socially demarcated group share similar lifestyles which to some degree will distinguish
them from the members of other social strata.

Social stratification during Slavery/Planation society

The social stratification of the plantation/slavery era was very rigid and closed. The
Africans/slaves were at the bottom because they were considered inferior and chattel. The
whites were at the top because they held the political and economic power (had wealth due
to plantations and they controlled the law making laws to their advantage) and were
considered superior. They also developed other forms of exclusion for example colour
stratification. Lighter coloured slaves were given less arduous jobs.

1 Notes prepared by Mrs. Goodridge

 Caribbean Studies: Social Stratification 2014
People could not move up the ranks due to class, colour and power. For example persons of
mixed ancestry and light coloured skin by virtue of their light coloured skin (appearance)
were rewarded lighter work as domestic slaves. Many were freed by their white fathers and
even educated, giving them a better chance to improve their social status (see diagram
below).
Planters were smallest in
population formed the
plantocracy. They had the
most influence in society.
Whites

Colour graduations
led to variations in
status. Coloured
aligned themselves Coloured and free blacks
with the whites.

Blacks-the enslaved
stratification among slaves was based on where they worked-
as house slaves in the Great house or as field slaves doing
manual labour. Black skin denoted one's status as a slave (free
blacks were rare)

Stratification during colonialism and indenturship

The process of Indentureship to a great extent compounded the stratification system in
Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana; between 1845 and 1917 (the indentureship) period, society
was further divided along lines of race and fostered very little mobility. The society was race
and colour stratified.

2 Notes prepared by Mrs. Goodridge

 Caribbean Studies: Social Stratification 2014

W
hi
t
e
s
Coloured

Blacks

Indians
There was a lot of rivalry between blacks and Indians and much hostility.

Contemporary Caribbean
The social stratification in the Contemporary Caribbean has become gradually less rigid and
more opened. In contemporary Caribbean, Social Stratification system in the Caribbean is
now an opened system.

Social mobility is the movement of individuals or groups from one social group to another
within the social stratification system. People can move up and down the system, mainly due
to education. Social position is based on one’s own efforts.

In the contemporary Caribbean one’s status can improve or decline e.g. now in the economic
crisis as people lose their job their status could decrease.

3 Notes prepared by Mrs. Goodridge

 Caribbean Studies: Social Stratification 2014
up
pe
r
cla
Upper
ss
middle
Middle

Lower middle

Lower class

Short Answered Questions

1. Explain the term Stratification. (2 marks)

2. Explain two types of stratification systems. Stating clearly which type is most
prevalent in the Caribbean and why (6 marks)
3. State two criteria used to determine social stratification in the Caribbean
4. Describe two (2) elements of the pattern of social stratification which affected the
Caribbean during the period of slavery. (2 marks)
5. List two (2) factors in the Caribbean society and culture today that influences social
stratification. (2 marks)
6. Explain TWO ways in which education influence social stratification. (4 marks)

4 Notes prepared by Mrs. Goodridge