Impact of the

stratification system on
caribbean Societies
Elbernezer Andrew
Learning Objectives

To outline the various impact on stratification on Caribbean Socities.

Introduction
• It is evident that there have been significant changes in the stratification
system throughout the caribbean . The changing stratification system has an
impact on caribbean societies not only socially but also economically and
politically.
• During slavery, society and was stratified based on race and colour lines.
Today , however, there are other factors that contribute to. Stratification. For
instance, class, status, power, gender, and education.
Social Factors
• For a long time, having European traits was an avenue to ‘social betterment’ within the Caribbean. An
educated black man might marry a woman of lighter complexion in attempt to assert his status within
society.
• Skin colour retains a subjective dimension ; cultural practices fuelled by comsumer items allow for
imitation of European features through hairstyles. For example, via wigs, weave or relaxed,
straightened or blonde hair, as opposed to one’s natural hair texture and colour.
• Also, the practice of using products to lighten skin tone is not uncommon, though is not pervasive as
perviously.
• education has added a new dimension to the system of stratification as groups have been able to
become upwardly mobile. Education has been resposnible for many of the changes in society.
Social factors
• It allowed for the increased in employment of women, whose status is no longer soley
defined by marriage.
• Blacks and other. Immigrants who were previously in the lowest stratum have become
upwardly mobile . However, many have not embraced education and in all societies
there are groups who feel marginalised and powerless.
• The system of education has failed many, not only because of its structure but also
because the programmes that offered may not be relevant or adequate for those in the
lower strata.
• Contiuned poverty and chronic unemployment have crippled some groups and
increasing criminal activity has been the bane of Caribbean societies.
Economic Factors

Changes in the economic structure and the

movement from a purely agrarian society to one
that has an industrialised sector have led to a
variety of jobs in primary, secondary and
tertiary occupations. As aforementioned,
occupation and income derived from it are
object Indicators that help to gauge one’s
social-class position. Income allows one t enjoy
a certain standard of living and to have a more
desirable lifestyle.
Carl Stone ( 1973), who carried out an empirical
study in Jamaica, argued that what defined the
social structure were not so much the cultural
elements ( ethnicity, colour) but rather the
economic dimensions emerging from the
occupational Structure.
Some groups such as the Lebanese and Syrians
and the Indians have been able to dominate the
private sector but state jobs in the public sector.
Have afforded continued and secure
employment to many, especially in times of
economic stability
 Political indepence has also changed the characterisitics of the

Political stratification in the Caribbean. The previous system of

domination by whites has been replaced by governance by local
people, which has aslo helped in the latter’s upward mobility.

factors
It has allowed for the representation of all sectors in society at
the national as well as local levels. The low status that was
given to immigrants after slavery has not continued. For
example, in Trindad and Tobago, East Indians have gained a lot
of economic power and have also increaslying been involved in
the political arena, having challenged the traditional African-
dominated politcal rule. In Guyana, political rule by indians has
been steady since the dominance of an African- based political
party in the Forbes Burnham era ( 1964-85)
THE END