Social Stratification :

Impact of Stratification on Caribbean

Societies and Conclusion
Lesson 4
Impact of social stratification on Caribbean
Societies

It is evident that there have been significant changes in the

stratification system throughout the Caribbean. The impact of
stratification on Caribbean society is not only socially but
economically and politically. During slavery tratification was
based on race and colour. Today , however, there are other factors
that contribute to stratification for example: class, power, gender
and education.
Social Factors
For a long time having European traits was an avenue to “social
betterment”within the caribbean societies. An educated balckman might
marry a lighter skin woman in an attempt to assert his status within
society. Do you see this happening in your society? Skin colour retains a
subjective dimension , cultural practices fuelled by consumer items for the
imitation of European features through hairstyles for example wigs,
relaxed hair etc. in addition the practice of using products to lighten skin
tone is not uncommon , though it is not as pervasive as previously.
Education has added a new dimension to the system of stratification as groups
have been able to become upwardly mobile. Education has been responsible
for many changes in society, for example it allows for the increased
employment of women , whose status is no longer solely defined marriage.
Blacks and immigrants who were at the lowest stratum have become upwardly
mobile. However, many have not embrace education in all societies as there
are some groups which have become marginalised and powerless. The system
of education have failed many. Continued poverty and chronic unemployment
have crippled some groups, thus increased 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 an industrialized one have led to a variety of jobs in primary,
secondary and tertiary occupations . Occupation helps to gauge one’s social
class position.Income allows one to enjoy certain standard of living.
Carl Stone (1973) carried out a study on 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. He
noted that respondents placed themselves in economic classes ( upper, middle
and lower)
Political Factors
Political independence has helped to change the characteristics of
stratification in the Caribbean. The previous system where whites were
in control is replaced by governance by local people which has helped
in upward social mobility. It has allowed for representation of all
sectors of the society at national and local levels.
Conclusion
Stratification has highlighted the complexity that pervades Caribbean
social stratification, which includes the dimension of race, colour,
ethnicity, gender and economic factors.
Despite the changing patterns of stratification and the increased
educational and political opportunities, it is still the case that
stereotypes, tensions and hostility and prejudice ( subjective factors )
may still predominate and can strain the relationship between people.