WEST DEMERARA SECONDARY SCHOOL

SCHOOL BASED ASSESSMENT

YEAR OF 2023 EXAMINATION

NAME OF CANDIDATE: LATONYA JOSEPH

CANDIDATE #: 0900560720

SUBJECT: SOCIAL STUDIES

PROFICIENCY: GENERAL

TITLE OF STUDY: THE VIEWS OF PARENTS AND TEENAGERS ON THE TOPIC

‘INTERRACIAL MARRIAGE ’

NAME OF TEACHER: MS. PHULMATTIE SEWKARRAN

CONTENT PAGE #

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

REASONS FOR SELECTING THE TOPIC/AREA OF STUDY . . . . . . . . . . . . . ., 4

METHOD OF INVESTIGATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

INSTRUMENTS USED TO COLLECT DATA, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

PRESENTATION AND PROCEDURES USED TO COLLECT DATA . . . . . . . . 11

ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

STATEMENT OF FINDINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

RECOMMENDATION AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CONCLUSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

BIBLIOGRAPHY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

APPENDIX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Firstly the researcher would like to thank God for giving me the strength to complete this School Based
Assessment. Secondly, the researcher would like to thank my parents for their encouragement and support
of all kinds. Lastly, an extended thank - you to my colleagues and teachers who assisted me in
completing this School Based Assessment.

1
 INTRODUCTION

In today’s society the researcher has noticed that it is normal to see people in interracial relationships and
marriages. It was not easy to accomplish such a relationship back in the day due to systemic racism and
prejudice to date out of their own races. This Social- Studies School Based Assessment is used to research
the topic “The views of Parents and Teenagers on Interracial Marriage".

2
 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

The views of parents and teenagers on the topic Interracial Marriage.

3
 REASONS FOR SELECTING THE TOPIC/AREA OF STUDY

The researcher chose this topic because it is normal in their generation and due to the change in society in
the past few years there will be a few mixed and overall interesting statements to the topic. There have
been many issues with the topic due to stereotypes of people and their race, culture and their ethnicity.
The researchers goal is to find out the views of parents and teenagers on the topic ‘interracial marriage’ in
their community.

4
 METHOD OF INVESTIGATION

The researcher will use a questionnaire to gather the information on the topic “ The views of parents and
teenagers on the topic interracial marriage”.

A questionnaire is a form containing a list of questions and options suitable to the respondents. It is a
means of gathering information for a survey. This method will be beneficial to this researcher since it is a
convenient way of collecting information, it is anonymously answered, so no one is being judged for their
responses and the responses will help the researcher determine helpful and statistical answers.

5
 INSTRUMENTS USED TO COLLECT DATA

West Demerara Secondary School

Klien Pouderoyen
West Bank Demerara

Dear respondent,
I am a student of West Demerara Secondary School and I am conducting a survey for my Social-
Studies School Based Assessment on the topic “ The views of Parents and teenagers on the topic
Interracial Marriage”. The surveys are to be done anonymously and will be collected in 2-3
business days after its initial distribution. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

6
1) What is your gender?

● Male
● Female

2) What is your age range?

● 15 - 20
● 21 - 25
● 26 - 30
● Older than 30

3) What is your ethnicity?

● African
● Amerindian
● Chinese
● European
● Indian
● Portuguese
● Mixed

4) What is your religion?

● Christianity
● Islam
● Hinduism
● Rastafarian
● Other

5) What is your occupation?

● Cashier
● Driver
● Construction worker
● Self-employed

7
6) What is marriage?
 ● A legal union of two people in a relationship
● A legally binding contract between two individuals that unites their lives
economically and emotionally.
● A legally and socially sanctioned union usually between a man and a woman
● An arranged union between people planned by families

7) What is interracial marriage?

● A marriage between people of different races
● A marriage between people of different ethnic groups
● A marriage between people of different cultural backgrounds
● A marriage between multiracial people

8) What factor causes interracial marriages?

● Love
● Arranged Marriage
● Marriage in convenience
● Fetishisation

9) How can interracial couples overcome societal barriers such as stereotypes?

● By connecting with each other through accepting their differences
● By ignoring the hate they may receive and focus on their relationship
● Educate others on the effects of racial discrimination
● By raising awareness about interracial relationships and marriages

10) What are some benefits of an interracial marriage?

● Becoming culturally diverse
● Advocating against racism
● Having beautiful children
● Rounded Parenting Style (children being taught about their ethnicities)

8
11) Why did countries remove the ban on interracial marriages?
● They were pressured by the public
● They realized interracial marriages as normal
● The times have changed
 ● It was seen as a way to increase the population

12) What were the family’s reaction to interracial marriage?

● Anger
● Disbelief
● Confusion
● Acceptance

13) What can cause divorce in interracial marriages?

● Family not accepting them or their partner
● Clashing of religious and beliefs
● Division in culture because of their differences
● Alienation/isolation from family and friends

14) What are consequences of interracial marriage?

● Being disowned
● Attempts to sabotage them
● Children having an identity crisis
● Family breakups

15) Why do some people still oppose to interracial marriages?

● Because of the difference in race and culture
● They’re not being properly educated
● They’re prejudice
● They believe certain stereotypes

9
16) What are challenges of an interracial marriage?
● Derogatory comments
● Stares and insults
● Lost contact with friends and family members who disapproved
● Rejection from family
 17) Which factor is an effect of interracial marriage?
● Racial discrimination against them or their spouse
● No acceptance
● Different cultural expectations for each other
● Different views on each other’s religion

18) What do interracial couples do when they are of different religions?

● Go to their own place of worship separately
● Go to the same place of worship
● Having to compromise
● Don’t go at all

19) How do elections affect interracial marriages?

● Different choices in Government causing arguments
● The older generation may discriminate against them
● Developing fears of going places
● Ridiculed for not voting

20) What are solutions for people in an interracial marriage?

● Make sure the foundation of the relationship is rock solid
● Not making assumptions about their partner based on their race
● Finding people or a community who are in an interracial relationship
● Getting comfortable talking about their differences

10

PRESENTATION OF DATA

SUMMARY SHEET

Questions Options Tally Percentage Degree

1) What is your Male |||| |||| 9/20 x 100/1= 9/20x360/1=
gender? 162
 45%
|||| |||| | 11/20x360/1=
Female 198
11/20 x 100/1=
55%
2) What is your 15-20 |||| | 6/20 x 100/1= 6/20x360/1=
age range? 30% 108

21-25 |||| 5/20 x 100/1= 5/20x360/1= 90

25%

4/20 x 100/1= 4/20x360/1= 72

26-30 |||| 20%

5/20 x 100/1= 5/20x360/1= 90

Older than 31 |||| 25%

3) What is your African |||| 4/20 x 100/1= 4/20x360/1=

ethnicity? 20% 72

Amerindian 2/20 x 100/1= 2/20x360/1= 36

||
10%

8/20 x 100/1= 8/20x360/1=

Indian |||| ||| 40% 144

0/20 x 100/1= 0/20x360/1=0

Chinese 0%

0/20 x 100/1= 0/20x360/1=0

European 0%

2/20 x 100/1= 2/20x360/1= 36

10%
Portuguese ||
4/20 x 100/1= 4/20x360/1= 72
20%
Mixed ||||

4) What is your Christianity |||| ||| 9/20 x 100/1= 9/20x360/1=

religion? 45% 162

Islam || 2/20 x 100/1= 2/20x360/1= 36

10%

Hinduism |||| | 6/20 x 100/1=

 30% 6/20x360/1=
108
Other ||| 3/20 x 100/1=
15% 3/20x360/1= 54

5) What is your Cashier |||| || 7/20 x 100/1= 7/20x360/1=

occupation? 35% 126

Driver 5/20 x 100/1= 5/20x360/1= 90

||||
25%

5/20 x 100/1= 5/20x360/1= 90

Construction- |||| 25%
worker

Self employed ||| 3/20 x 100/1= 3/20x360/1= 54

15%

6) What is The legal union |||| | 6/20 x 100/1= 6/20x360/1=

marriage? of two people in 30% 108
a relationship.

A legally binding |||| 4/20 x 100/1= 4/20x360/1= 72

contract between 20%
two individuals
that unites their
lives
economically and
emotionally.
8/20 x 100/1= 8/20x360/1=
40% 144
A legally and |||| |||
socially
sanctioned union
usually between
a man and a
woman.

2/20 x 100/1= 2/20x360/1= 36

An arranged || 10%
union between
people planned
by families.

7) What is an A marriage |||| |||| 9/20 x 100/1= 9/20x360/1=

interracial between people 45% 162
marriage? of different races.

A marriage |||| ||| 8/20 x 100/1= 8/20x360/1=

between people 40% 144
of different
ethnic groups.
2/20 x 100/1= 2/20x360/1= 36
A marriage ||
10%
between people
of different
cultural
backgrounds.
1/20 x 100/1= 1/20x360/1= 18
A marriage | 5%
between
multiracial
people.
8)What factor Love |||| |||| | 11/20 x 100/1= 11/20x360/1=
causes interracial 55% 198
marriage? Arranged ||
2/20 x 100/1= 2/20x360/1= 36
Marriage 10%
|||| 4/20 x 100/1= 4/20x360/1= 72
Marriage in
convenience 20%

Fetishization ||| 3/20 x 100/1= 3/20x360/1= 54

15%

9) How can By connecting |||| || 7/20 x 100/1= 7/20x360/1=

interracial with each other 35% 126
couples overcome through
societal barriers accepting
such as their differences.
stereotypes?
By ignoring the
hate they may |||| 4/20 x 100/1= 4/20x360/1= 72
receive and focus 20%
on their
relationship.

Educate others 6/20 x 100/1= 6/20x360/1=

on the effects of |||| | 30% 108
racial
discrimination.

By raising
awareness about 3/20 x 100/1=
 interracial ||| 15% 3/20x360/1= 54
relationships and
marriages.
10) What are Becoming |||| 4/20 x 100/1= 4/20x360/1= 72
some benefits of culturally 20%
being in an diverse. 6/20x360/1=
interracial 6/20 x 100/1= 108
marriage? Advocating 30%
|||| |
against racism. 2/20x360/1=
2/20 x 36
100/1=10%
Having beautiful || 8/20x360/1=
children. 8/20 x 100/1= 144
|||| ||| 40%

11) Why did They were ||| 3/20 x 100/1= 3/20x360/1= 54

countries remove pressured by the 15%
the ban on public
interracial
marriage? They realized |||| | 6/20 x 100/1= 6/20x360/1=
30% 108
interracial
marriages as
normal

The times have |||| |||| | 11/20 x 100/1= 11/20x360/1=

changed 55% 198

It was seen as a
0/20 x 100/1= 0 0/20x360/1= 0
way to increase
the population

12) What were Anger ||| 3/20 x 100/1= 3/20x360/1= 54

the family's 15%
reaction to Disbelief ||| 3/20x360/1= 54
interracial 3/20 x 100/1=
marriage? |||| 15% 4/20x360/1= 72
Confusion
4/20 x 100/1=
|||| |||| 10/20x360/1=
Acceptance 20%
180
10/20 x 100/1=
50%
13) What can Family not |||| || 7/20 x 100/1= 7/20x360/1=
cause divorce in accepting them 35% 126
interracial or their partner
marriages? |||| |
Clashing of 6/20 x 100/1= 6/20x360/1=
religions and 30% 108
beliefs

Division in ||| 3/20 x 100/1= 3/20x360/1= 54

culture because 15%
of their
differences

Alienation and |||| 4/20 x 100/1= 4/20x360/1= 72

isolation from 20%
family and
friends

14) What are Being disowned |||| |||| 9/20 x 100/1= 9/20x360/1=
consequences of 45% 162
interracial Attempts to ||||
marriages? sabotage them 4/20 x 100/1= 4/20x360/1= 72
20%
Children having ||||
an identity crisis 5/20 x 100/1= 5/20x360/1= 90
25%
Family breakups || 2/20 x 100/1= 2/20x360/1= 36
10%
15) Why do some Because of the |||| || 7/20 x 100/1= 7/20x360/1=
people still difference in race 35% 126
oppose interracial and culture
marriages?
They’re not |||| | 6/20 x 100/1= 6/20x360/1=
properly 30% 108
educated

||| 3/20 x 100/1= 3/20x360/1= 54

They’re 15%
prejudice
4/20x360/1= 72
They believe |||| 4/20 x 100/1=
certain 20%
stereotypes

16) What are Derogatory |||| 4/20 x 100/1= 4/20x360/1= 72

challenges of comments 20%
interracial
marriages?
Stares and insults |||| | 6/20 x 100/1= 6/20x360/1=
30% 108

Lost contact with 5/20 x 100/1= 5/20x360/1= 90

friends and |||| 25%
family members
who disapproved

Rejection from
family 5/20 x 100/1= 5/20x360/1= 90
||||
25%
17) What factor Racial |||| ||| 8/20 x 100/1= 8/20x360/1=
effects interracial discrimination 40% 144
marriages? against them or
their spouse
3/20 x 100/1= 3/20x360/1= 54
No acceptance ||| 15%

Different cultural 4/20 x 100/1=

expectations for |||| 4/20x360/1= 72
20%
each other

Different views 5/20 x 100/1= 5/20x360/1= 90

on each other's 25%
||||
religion

18) What do Go to their own |||| | 6/20 x 100/1= 6/20x360/1=

interracial place of worship 30% 108
couples do when separately
they're of
different Go to the same |||| 5/20 x 100/1= 5/20x360/1= 90
religions? place of worship 25%

||| 3/20 x 100/1= 3/20x360/1= 54

Having a 15%
compromise
|||| | 6/20 x 100/1= 6/20x360/1=
Don’t go at all 30% 108
19) How do Different choices |||| 5/20 x 100/1= 5/20x360/1= 90
elections affect in Government 25%
interracial causing
marriages? arguments

The older ||||

generation acting 4/20 x 100/1= 4/20x360/1= 72
discriminatory 20%

Developing fears |||| ||

of going places
7/20 x 100/1= 7/20x360/1=
35% 126

Ridiculed for not

voting
||||

4/20 x 100/1= 4/20x360/1= 72

20%

20) What are Making sure the |||| 5/20 x 100/1= 5/20x360/1= 90
solutions for foundation of the 25%
people in an relationship is
interracial rock solid.
marriage?
5/20 x 100/1=
Not making |||| 25% 5/20x360/1= 90
assumptions
about their
partner based on
their race.

Finding people |||| | 6/20 x 100/1= 6/20x360/1=

or a community 30% 108
who are in an
interracial
relationship or
marriage.
|||| 4/20 x 100/1= 4/20x360/1= 72
20%
Getting
comfortable
talking about
their differences.
 PROCEDURE USED TO COLLECT DATA

The exact number of questionnaires that were distributed was 20. The researcher was accompanied by
their guardians, and they approached 20 random homes in the community during the early afternoon. The
respondents asked the researcher what the questionnaire was about and were given an explanation on it
and were asked to complete the questionnaires in the timespan of 2 days to which they agreed to. Upon
the return of the questionnaires, they were checked to make sure they were all in good condition,
completed and began to sort the data that was collected.
Figure 1 is showing “What factor causes interracial marriages?”

The pie chart’s results were:-

Love - 55%
Marriage in convenience - 20%
Fetishization - 15%
Arranged marriage - 10%
Figure 2 is showing “What factor is an effect of interracial marriage?”

The histogram’s results were:-

Racial discrimination against them or their spouse – 40%

Different views on each other’s religion – 25%
Different cultural expectations for each other – 20%
No acceptance from society and family – 15%
Figure 3 is showing “What may be the consequences of interracial marriage?”.

The bar chart's results were:-

Being disowned - 45%

Their children may have an identity crisis – 25%
People may try to sabotage the relationship – 20%
Family breakups – 10%
 ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

This investigation is based on The views of Parents and Teenagers on the topic interracial marriage. irst,
there were more females (55%) than males (45%) among the responders. When the age range was asked,
25% of respondents were between the ages of 21 and 25 and older than 30. The people' ethnicities were as
follows: 40% were Indian, 10% were Amerindian and Portuguese, 20% were African and Mixed, 0%
were neither Chinese nor Portuguese. 45% of the people were Christians, 10% were Muslims, 30% were
Hindus, and 15% practiced other religions. 15% of them were self-employed, 25% were drivers and
construction workers, and 35% worked as cashiers.

Second, when the definition of marriage was questioned, the results revealed that 40% of marriages were
legally and socially sanctioned unions, typically between a man and a woman, and 10% were arranged
marriages arranged by families. The remaining 30% of marriages were defined as a legal union of two
people in a relationship. The definition of an interracial marriage was the next question, and the results
showed that 45% of marriages were between people of different races, 40% were between people of
different ethnic groups, 10% were between people from different cultural backgrounds, and 5% were
between people who were multiracial. Then, when the reason for interracial marriages was asked, 55%,
15% of marriages were fetishized, 20% were marriages of convenience, and 10% were arranged
marriages. When asked how interracial couples can overcome societal obstacles like stereotypes, 35%
responded that they could connect by accepting one another's differences, 20% said they could ignore the
hostility they might encounter and concentrate on their relationship, 30% said they could educate others
about the negative effects of racial discrimination, and 15% said they could raise awareness about
interracial relationships and marriages. When asked about the advantages of inter-racial marriage, the
following statistics came up: 20% were becoming more culturally diversified, 30% were fighting racism,
10% were having lovely children, and 40% had a well-rounded parenting style.

Thirdly, why did countries remove the ban on interracial marriage was asked and 15% were they were
pressured by the public, 30% were they realized interracial marriages as normal, 55% were the times have
changed and 0% were it was seen as a way to increase the population. Next was what were the families
reaction to interracial marriage and 15% were anger and disbelief, 20% were confusion and 50%
acceptance. What can cause divorce in interracial marriage was asked and 35% were family not accepting
them or their partner, 30% were clashing of religions and beliefs, 20% were division in culture because of
their differences and 15% were alienation and isolation from family and friends. Then what are
consequences of interracial marriages was asked and 45% were being disowned, 20% were attempts to
sabotage them, 25% were children having an identity crisis and 10% were family breakups.Why do some
people still oppose interracial marriages was asked and 35% were because pf the difference in race and
culture, 30% were they’re not educated properly, 15% were they’re prejudice and 20% were they believe
certain stereotypes.
Fourthly, what are challenges of interracial marriages and 20% were derogatory comments, 30% were
stares and insults and 25% were both lost contact with friends and family who disapprove and rejections
from family. The which factor is an effect of interracial marriages and 40% were racial discrimination
against them or their spouse, 15% were no acceptance, 20% were different cultural expectations for each
other and 25% were different views on each others religion. Then what do interracial couples do when
they’re of different religions and 30% were both go to their own place of worship separately and don’t go
at all, 25% were go to the same place of worship and 15% were having a compromise.Then how do
elections affect interracial marriages and 25% were different choices in government causing arguments,
20% were both the older generation acting discriminatory and ridiculed for voting and 35% were
developing fears of going places. Then what are solutions for people in an interracial marriage and 25%
were both make sure the foundation of the relationship is rock solid and not making assumptions about
their partner based on their race, 30% were finding people or a community who are in an interracial
relationship and 20% were getting comfortable talking about their differences.

It has been concluded that the respondents are aware of interracial marriages, their causes, effects,
consequences and solutions of them and completed the questionnaires .
 STATEMENT OF FINDINGS

1. The factor that causes interracial marriages is love.

2. The most likely consequence of being in an interracial marriage is being disowned.

3. The most popular solution of being in an interracial marriage is finding people or a

community who are in interracial relationships or marriages.
 RECOMMENDATION

The researcher's response to the second graph's question,"What factor is an effect of interracial
marriages?" is to protect and surround themselves with supportive people.

The researcher's response to the third graph's question, "What might interracial marriage have as
consequences?" is to come to terms with the fact that not everyone genuinely cares about your happiness,
and they should keep their distance from those people in order to find peace.
 IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY

The third graph’s question was asking the consequences of being in interracial marriages. To raise
awareness of such discrimination the researcher would:-

Step 1 : Seek counseling

Step 2 : Go to family therapy if needed
Step 3 : Go to a support group
 CONCLUSION

In conclusion to the topic relating to interracial marriages, it can be said that it comes with its advantages
and disadvantages from society’s point of view.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
APPENDIX