Course Code & Title: HRNM6101 / Applied Behavioural Sciences: Theories for Human

Resource and Organisational Development

Facilitator: Mrs. Shara Williams-Lue

Assignment: Final Group Report

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Table of Contents
Introduction
Claim: Women select less aggressive men during menstruation.
Claim: Men are more biologically aggressive than women, and are natural hunters.
Claim: Men require more emotional support than women who are more emotionally stable.
Claim: Bulk of killers fall in a family called Alternative.
Claim: When there exists poor parenting in the household, it will cause a detrimental effect on the
Child’s/Children’s development.
Claim: When men grow in an environment that is said to be ‘War Ready’, they are going to war.
Claim: The rise of service industries has left youths with fewer job options to choose from due to
lack of qualification.
Recommendations
Conclusion
References

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Introduction

In this report, we examine the questions: Do you agree with the claims made by Dr.

Gayle and the levels of analysis he focuses on to explain crime in Jamaica? Are there alternative

levels of analysis that can also provide explanations regarding why there is so much crime in

Jamaica? There are various levels of analysis which are used to explain the claims made by Dr.

Gayle with supporting theories, practical and profound examples within the context of Jamaica

and the Caribbean using empirical data and evidence to support whether we agree with his

claims or disagree with them. Recommendations are also provided on how to reduce violence in

Jamaica, especially from the perspective where males are more violent in our society.

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Claim: Women select less aggressive men during menstruation.

Dr. Gayle argued that women select less aggressive men during menstruation. There are

many studies that agree with this point. Studies show that “during high fertility points in the

menstrual cycle, women show increased preference for men with masculine faces on bodies and

a soft touch,” (Parker & Lawrence, 2020). Other critics such as (Giebel et al., 2013) concurs this

point and posits that “women in their fertile window show differences in preferences when

compared to women at non-fertile moments in their cycles. Such differences include a preference

for the scent of highly dominant men and sensitive men.” However, while there are critics that is

of this opinion, there are women who select men not only because they are less aggressive during

their periods. Why do we say this? Men that have an aggressive side are still able to comfort

women at this time. According to the social structural theory, “Because women are often limited

in social power, they will seek advancement through their mate. They will look for a mate who

has the characteristics of power, good earning capacity, and higher education, because these will

boost a woman's social standing,” (Denisiuk, 2004). Women also want men who are financially

stable, someone who has good genes and a good family, so not only do they want less aggressive

men during menstruation, there are other factors that women consider. Nevertheless, using the

intrapsychic level of analysis it is not illogical to assert Dr. Gayle’s point. Only females can

experience their own subjective world which they create for themselves. Women’s subjective

words is based on biological influences (hormones) leading them to choose particular men

during menstruation. Using the intrapsychic level of analysis, Dr. Gayle argues that women

select men due to their ability to provide, defend and offend in an effort to achieve and maintain

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attractiveness. This is reversed during the menstrual cycle as women seek care and compassion

during these times.

There is convincing evidence that many women experience an increased vulnerability,

sensitivity to emotions, or to external stress during the premenstrual phase of the cycle. Seeing as

the menstrual cycle only occurs once a month, men for the majority of the time have to

constantly display violent tendencies to be available for selection. This creates a belief or

understanding on their part that the more aggressive they are the more attractive they are. This

can explain the disproportionate ratio of men involved in crime to women.

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Claim: Men are more biologically aggressive than women, and are natural hunters.

Examining Dr. Herbert Gayle’s Claims as to the cause of crime and violence in Jamaica:

In a television interview, Dr. Herbert Gayle stated a number of claims that he believes is

the root cause for crime and violence in Jamaica.

This paper seeks to critically examine one of the many claims made by Dr. Gayle; this

paper will be highlighting the different levels of analysis used, compare and contrast empirical

evidence of the different theories that is involved in this claim.

Claim by Dr. Herbert Gayle:

One of the claims in Dr. Herbert Gayle’s interview is that “men are more biologically

aggressive than women, and are natural hunters. He further stated that, if society hands you a

book to hunt, you will use it to better yourself, but if society hands you a gun that is what you

will use.”

Levels of analysis:

The levels of analysis used to determine the high levels of crime in Jamaica in the

aforementioned claim by Dr. Gayle are the inter-psychic- individual and inter-psychic –

situational.

For the inter-psychic- individual level, Dr. Gayle looked at how the individual views

life from their own personal experiences, for example, one psychological factor that causes

aggression is frustration which creates anger which further sparks aggression. For example, a

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male living in the inner city, tries to do what is morally correct by staying out of gang related

activities, and try not to conform to the sub-cultural norms, but whenever he tries to get a decent

job, he is discriminated against because of where he is from. He will eventually become

frustrated, and turn to crime and violence to survive, believing he is left with not much choice.

Following up on the inter-psychic individual level is the inter-psychic situational level

where he mentioned society handing you a book or a gun to hunt with and this level shows how

society can influence how you feel about a situation. Continuing on the example with the young

man living in the inner-city, after he has tried without success to stay out of trouble, his

circumstances could now cause him to think that he has to conform to what he sees in order to

get by. He sees the don in his area who seems to be doing a better job at keeping the peace than

the Law Enforcement Officers and has now gained the trust and respect of the people, he then

therefore buys into the idea of being an area leader and sees it as something to aspire to become.

To substantiate this, a case study conducted by Dr. Elizabeth Ward, ‘et al’ in 2017 entitled

‘Youth Peace and Security” revealed that youths in the inner-city admit to feeling most

vulnerable to gun violence, rape, and police directed violence. They also state that there were key

factors including unemployment, unstable families, attraction to the ‘fast life’, exposure to

violence and a negative community environment that drove them to become perpetrators of

violence.

Are Men more Biologically Aggressive than Women?

Within the context of this claim, this paper does not necessarily agree with the claim that

men are more biologically aggressive than women, we have been told that all of our lives and

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yes, there is research out there that supports this claim, but there is also research which proves

that women are equally and in some cases more aggressive than men.

Men are said to be prone to aggression by the high levels of testosterone they produce,

but research also shows that women are also prone to aggression by estrogen, testosterone,

neurosteroids and low FSH Prolactin, which are four different hormones.

Psychologists describe aggression as any physical or verbal behavior that intends to harm or

destroy.

You have often heard that a woman’s strength is her mouth, but that does not mean she is

not also strong in physical aggression. A recent article published in the Gleaner named a female

as one of the top-tier members in the ongoing trial of the Clansman Gang. The witness revealed

that these gangsters who are considered top-tier, are respected based on the role they play and

how many persons they killed.

Dr. Gayle did not state that men were more physically aggressive, but he instead made a

general claim that men are more aggressive, forcing the distinction to be made. If he had said

that men appear to be more physically aggressive than women based on societal expectations, it

would be more understandable, biologically, both sexes are wired with aggression, which can be

triggered and lead them to crime and violence.

It is believed that men act in a particular manner because they are expected to; Dr. Gayle

alluded to this fact based on the levels of analysis used. The Jamaican society, force our men to

believe that if they are not aggressive, they are not real men, as real men are expected to be

‘rough and tough’ and to defend their turf. If you do not possess such attributes/traits, you are not

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considered a real man, and would even be discriminated against, so in order not to face

discriminations, most men just fit in the role they are asked to play.

The Nature Nurture theory describes behaviours that are innate to be those from our

genes and DNA, and behaviours that are as a result of our experiences which are from

environmental influences and they work together to shape who we become. Psychologists see

biological pre-dispositions as guiding development and a mixture of nature and nurture are seen

as interconnected and not as opposing alternatives and both male and female are subjected to this

condition. Therefore, if you give the woman or the man the gun or the book to hunt to better

themselves, they both will take up the offer.

Are men more susceptible to environmental influences than women? They are, and this

is because of the level of expectation placed on them by the society, especially if they are living

in an environment that is conducive to crime and violence, hence the temptation and pressure is

greater. This was the main focus of Dr. Gayle’s argument, highlighting the level of pressure and

marginalization placed on our males especially those from the inner-city resulting in them

turning to crime and violence, but the levels of aggression between the sexes remain arguable.

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Claim: Men require more emotional support than women who are more emotionally stable.

The claim is supported which Dr. Gayle invoked where he said that men require more

emotional support than women who are more emotionally stable. This is evident on a global

basis especially in our beloved country Jamaica, as profound research has been done pertaining

to this issue. The level of analysis which this issue specifically relates to above all others is the

Interpsychic – Interpersonal / Dyad level of analysis. The definition of interpsychic: involving,

relating to, or arising from the interaction between the psyches of two or more people (Merriam-

Webster, n.d.).

When we are dealing with the interpsychic / interpersonal or dyad level of analysis we

are speaking about the results or outcomes which stem from the interaction of two individuals.

Based on the claim Dr. Gayle makes pertaining to men requiring more emotional support than

women, James & Davis (2014) stated, “In relating their experiences, Black Jamaican youth

identified several critical factors — absent fathers, a lack of role models, hopelessness and fear

— as playing a role in their construction of masculinity/ies and their engagement in or response

to violence.” Based on the research of James & Davis (2014), young men in Jamaica do not have

solid emotional support from their role models especially from their parents whether from their

mother and father. Not having a good one on one relationship with each of their parents which

pertains to the interpersonal or dyad level, automatically the psyche and upbringing of these

young men are not positive, hence this will result in these males becoming violent. The

relationship which a mother should have with his son, must involve a loving and nurturing bond

where the male would have a good source of emotional stability. If the mother is absent in this

regard or if the child is not being raised by his mother, the child is inevitably going to turn to

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violence; like wise if the father is not in the picture to be a good role model or if the father can

not give his child ‘The man to man talk’, he will not know anything else but to be violent.

Evidence from James & Davis (2014) has proven that women in Jamaica do in fact receive more

financial and emotional support from their fathers than men, hence the reality is women have

more emotional support than men, which in turn men are going to be more violent than women.

Young men in Jamaica who turn to violence because they do not have a solid source of

emotional stability as opposed to women, the microlevel factors which are negatively influenced

because of this include the young men’s individual characteristics, beliefs, values, identities and

feelings. For the microsystems, in this case it speaks to the family or family setting of the young

men where fathers and mothers do not provide solid emotional support.

A Social Sciences Theory which supports this claim made by Dr. Gayle with the levels of

analysis described in this context is George Herbert Mead’s Social Self and Role Taking. The

theory of the social self is that the social self emerges from the social interactions with other

individuals. In this case, using the young male as an example, his interactions with people

specifically his mother and father would ultimately influence what kind of person he is going to

become. Not only using this theory which supports how social interactions affect the individual,

‘the other side of the coin’ shows that if there is no social interaction at all from the mother to the

son or the father to the son, that would also impact the male as well in a negative manner.

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Claim: Bulk of killers fall in a family called Alternative.

Dr. Gayle indicated that his research revealed that a majority of killers in the Jamaican

society fall in a family group categorized as “Alternative”, which means the killers do not have a

relationship with a biological parent, or simply do not have a good relationship with either

biological parent. He revealed further that the statistical reports from his findings saw boys rating

the quality of the relationship with either mother or father on average 1.6 out of 10. In his

examination of this correlation, being that of the quality of the parent-child dyads and delinquent

behaviour, Dr. Gayle demonstrated an analysis of this social issue on the interpsychic level. The

interpsychic level focuses primarily on interaction between two or more psyche and it is against

this background, that we agree with Dr. Gayle’s approach to this claim.

Similarly, John Bowlby’s Attachment Theory has provided circumstantial explanation of

the importance of the quality of parent-child dyad and the likely influence on psychology

(emotional and social) development of a child - who will inevitability transition into adulthood.

Bowlby and other social-relation theories have concluded that the first socialization experience

for human beings is heavily dependent on the caregiver (mothers and fathers), as such the

strength of a child’s social development is a direct reflection of quality of these relationships. In

support of these assertations (Steinberg, 2000) denotes that a child who experiences reduced

levels, poor quality or the absence of this engagement is at an increased risk of being involved in

delinquent/criminal behaviors. Often times, children may venture out to seek the missed

affection or acceptance of the parent and take comfort in the presence and subsequent acceptance

of individuals involved in violent and other illicit acts. It should be noted however, that while

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studies exhibited a strong correction, the parenting style ought to be considered as a risk factor

rather than a definitive finding, as anomalies from these claims have also been observed.

In the years 2015 and 2017 respectively, public statements made by a Jamaican columnist

and the Commissioner of Corrections have concurred with Dr. Gayle’s position. Both parties in

their individual statements shared the view that poor parenting and neglect are two significant

contributing factors to childhood delinquency, which has overtime translated to the increase in

crime and violence in Jamaica.

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Claim: When there exists poor parenting in the household, it will cause a detrimental effect
on the Child’s/Children’s development.

One of the claims of the great doctor was actually correct when he stated that “When

there exists poor parenting in the household, it will cause a detrimental effect on the

Child’s/Children’s development.” It was vividly clear from the start how some children have

been behaving and how they have been treated by their parents in the inner city of Trench Town

by a video representation which was shared with the group.

It is safe to say that there was an agreement with this claim which can be justified by the

observation in the video and even personal encounters in Jamaica since his sample was taken

from this Island. The Interpsychic level of analysis also known as the Interpersonal level or Dyad

was seen by the interaction between a child and a parent. Also, it can be noted that the Meso Unit

of analysis was used based on the family structure as a group.

Taking a look at Erik Erkson’s theory of developmental stages, it shows the stages of life

which we go through and also the associated feelings or thoughts which would typically come to

us at each stage.

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 What we can gather, is that we have turning points during childhood, adolescence, and

adulthood which are affected by each stage of our lives. More so, with regards to parenting, it is

typically the foundation on which we grow. Even more specifically to our claim, youth would

fall into the category of adolescence as noted in our graph and typically that’s the age where

most youth would make an ultimate decision of who or what they want to become. If parents fail

to even name a child or neglect basic needs of a child (up to an identity) then failure is almost

sure.

Having poor parenting and absence of parents will impose dysfunctional behaviours and

a deficit in some aspects of a child’s life. One such is the lack of core values. The need for

connection is as simple as a conversation on situations that they come across daily at play or at

school so that they can have a clearer understanding. Especially for young men, they strongly

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believe that a father figure’s guidance is one whom they can relate with more, however, where

are the fathers? Parents form the initial stages of socialization of children and allow them to

understand norms, customs, values and ethical principles. A deficit in same will also influence

the behaviour of children, especially young men in an unfavorable way.

Another highlight would be distrust. Being missing from special events which are

important to the child/children can bring disappointment and as a result will tend to find comfort

in anyone else who is available in their community or even online. They will grow to not believe

the ones closest to them and even more so to their peers and possibly other adults. The distrust

starts from a doubt to suspicion and anxiety through to reaching a stage where one totally locks

away and stays to self. Imagine a child expecting their father or mother to come through with

something for them as small as reaching home by a certain time, this can build distrust as a

parent who is not keeping their word.

(Self Esteem)

These children want to be accepted or want to blend in like we know in the human needs

for a sense of belonging and acceptance. Typically, in the Jamaican society the unfavourable

influencers tend to be numerous and therefore we see children utilizing methods such as curse

words to break down others and may also act violently to others. Once a child’s self-esteem is

destroyed from within the home, this can make them become distraught and have many sorts of

thoughts which goes through their minds. They will then turn to outsiders which can influence

them in any way.

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 Another note worth pointing out was the societal impact and guidance. Not all youth who

grow up from the ghetto turns out as a bad man but missing fathers and mothers who cannot keep

an eye on sons and leave them to do what they want and accept them in their wrong doings even

if it is just being in the company of criminals is violence in itself as they are also harboring

perpetrators and have knowledge of criminal activities especially those who are wanted.

The need for parents is crucial to the lives of Jamaican young men especially in their

early life stages as they develop through to adulthood. They need emotional connection and

support whilst they navigate through life. Without this, they tend to stray towards unwanted

behaviours, feel neglected and have self-esteem breakdowns. With that being said, they also

ultimately turn to violence which is an ugly alternative to express themselves due to frustration

and improper guidance.

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Claim: When men grow in an environment that is said to be ‘War Ready’, they are going
to war.

Theory: Walter Miller (Focal Concerns Theory)

There are many different explanations about the claim proposed by Dr. Gayle. He utilized

the meso level of analysis in his research to arrive at this claim. The meso level of analysis is a

detailed assessment of a specific group, community or organization. Additionally, the unit of

analysis that Dr. Gayle focused on are lower-class communities. We support his claim, as there is

evidence in our current society that highlights the effect of war-torn communities. This war

ready environment as implied by Dr. Gayle are lower-class communities that are plagued by

gang activities. I will use the Focal Concerns Theory postulated by Walter Miller to discuss this

perspective. However, there is also evidence that proves there are exceptions or alternatives to

his claim.

Miller was an Anthropologist who closely studied the lower-class areas in Boston, in

1955, he came up with his own conclusions, and thus the Focal Concerns Theory. He explained

crime in terms of a distinctive lower-class subculture (Kvaracecus, 1959). Miller claimed that

Black Americans in the lower-class socioeconomic bracket had developed a subculture which

had its own values and traditions separate from those of the general society, through which they

gain status. This status was based upon satisfying the ‘focal concerns’ of lower-class males. He

identified six focal concerns, which include:

 Excitement

 Toughness

 Smartness

 Trouble

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  Autonomy

 Fate

Based on Dr. Herbert Gayle's claim, “When men grow in an environment that is said to

be ‘War Ready’, they are going to war,” the focal concerns that are most relatable to this claim

are toughness, trouble, autonomy, and fate.

Toughness as coined by Miller is associated with status as status is awarded for

displaying strength. Arguments and physical confrontation seem to reinforce this behaviour

which may lead to criminal acts such as assault and bodily harm due to the need ‘of not backing

down’ or ‘man a bad man mentality’ in conflict situations. The evidence of these behaviours can

be seen in police records for high levels of conviction, arrests and clashes between criminals and

the security force. In an online newspaper article by Walker (2021), a young man called ‘Chip

Head’ had taken up arms against the State in defence of the former strongman of Tivoli Gardens,

Christopher Dudus Coke, who was the focus of an extradition request sent out by the United

States. Chip Head was one of his loyal supporters who pledged to fight to the death before he

would allow Dudus to be sent to prison.

In relation to trouble, Miller suggested that lower-class males are aware that because of

their lifestyle, they would inevitably end up in trouble. They accept that they need to support

their friends and families in times of conflict, which can be linked to their subculture norms and

values. For example, reports made by Turner (2020) painted a graphic picture of an eighty-one

(81) year old woman and her two grandchildren who were killed by the execution style when

thugs invaded their home. Violent reports such as these spurs us to wonder to ourselves what

they could have possibly done to deserve such a gruesome death. These acts often occur because

someone in their family was involved in illegal activities, and they were not able to protect them

19
from attacks. A famous Jamaican proverb that is popularly used, ‘If yuh can't Quaco, yuh catch

him shut’.

Miller's next focal concern, which is autonomy, states that lower-class males have an

anti-authority view which leads them to deal with issues themselves rather than alerting

authorities. If their family or friends were victims of wrongdoing, they would be more likely to

take retribution personally rather than reporting the matter to the police.

You may have seen or heard of cases, when watching the news or hearing through the

grape vine where persons enact their own justice; rather than relying on the legal system. The

‘Don man-ship’ in lower-class communities is a well-known example of autonomy. The Don is

relied on to protect the community and he and his gang members are trusted more than the police

to deal with issues of conflict. This leads to the endless cycle of gang rivalry. McLarty (2020)

states that intelligence led police to a mass burial cite operated by a gang in Spanish Town area.

This is a clear example of autonomy being demonstrated by a gang within a lower-class

community. Therefore, it can be deduced that this gang operated under a law of their own.

The final focal concern is fate; Miller argues that lower-class males have a fatalistic

attitude which leads them to believe that they have few choices in changing their fate. They

believe the actions that they will do today, do not impact on the future as it is already

predetermined. As such, young men take on these labels prescribed by society, due to them being

born in lower class subcultures.

As mentioned earlier there are alternative outlooks to Dr Gayle’s claim. One that can be

suggested is that not all males born within a lower-class community model the behaviour of their

environment. Though the norms and values of the subculture exist, which fosters the war ready

environment, an individual who has a good support system but limited resources can choose to

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be a good outstanding citizen. There are many examples of individuals who have risen above all

odds, so as not to be just another statistic. A prime example is Dr. Herbert Gayle, who is from a

lower-class community. He defied the expected fate of young men from his community to

become a trained anthropologist and lecturer at The University of the West Indies.

To conclude, the lower-class subculture establishes norms and values that are relatable to

a war ready environment. The youths living within these environments are pressured to accept

these norms and values established by the subculture. They are often ostracized and ridiculed if

they are not willing to conform. Therefore, to be accepted in the subculture they engage in

criminal activities from an early age to feel a sense of belonging and purpose. However, research

has shown that when these young men are provided with a strong support system, educational

resources and the financial stability they may often escape the reality of their environment.

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Claim: The rise of service industries has left youths with fewer job options to choose from
due to lack of qualification.

The level of analysis used to examine this claim is the macro level of analysis; in

particular, the social structure that creates grievances and lack of opportunities for people. There

is an inequality within the Jamaican society that can be seen with the level of access students in

rural areas have to education and educational material when compared to children in

metropolitan areas. There is also a discrepancy of the number of all girl schools when compared

to all boys. That number is seven all boys to fifteen all girls’ schools. The disadvantages which

some people face at an early age in the education system is truly worrying because it can indeed

pose a challenge when it comes to finding employment today, because most jobs now require

some form of qualification.

Since the turn of the 21st century there has been a shift within Jamaica’s economy, where

the rise of service industries has become pronounced. One of the reasons this rise is so evident is

because of the decline within the labour-intensive sector, a sector which the economy has been

built on. It has been a source of income for many individuals going back to the popularity of

bauxite and sugarcane industries. Encyclopedia Britannica (n.d.) defines “Service industries as

industries that create services rather than tangible objects. While labour industries are

agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and construction; each of them creates tangible objects.

Service industries include everything else; banking, communications, teaching, all professional

services such as engineering, computer software development, medicine, and all government

services. In less-developed countries most people are employed in primary activities such as

agriculture and mining.”

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 However, in Jamaica the decline of labour-intensive sectors now means that persons need

to be qualified, whether it be CSEC subjects, diploma, associate degree, or degree. This is a

cause for concern since many youths do not possess these qualifications. The lack of

qualification stems from youths not being able to complete secondary education or move on to

pursue higher education. Furthermore, it has been identified that unemployment is an underlying

cause of crime and violence. Being unemployed has in some instances, pressure youths into

committing criminal offences to generate income for themselves and family members. In an

article published by UWI, Mona titled ‘The roots of crime in Jamaica,’ it identifies that the

breakdown within our education system and labour market is a primary cause of crime and

violence. It recognizes “Youth performance as weak in GSAT and dismal in CXC,” particularly

students in rural communities with limited access to textbooks and tutoring. All of this

culminates in youths leaving school with inadequate knowledge and are thus unqualified for

anything but unskilled general labour. Entering the labour market with such limited knowledge

creates a high unemployment rate. The article also states that about 45% of all youth unemployed

are long-term unemployed. What is most stunning is that about 63% of the long-term

unemployed have never worked, and 27% of them have four years or more of high school

education but no certification”. One of the main reasons this article is so disturbing is because

Moody Analytics highlighted that 70% of Jamaica’s gross domestic product (GDP) is now

mainly from the contribution of service industries.

To put everything into perspective, an overview of the economy of Jamaica. (n.d.)

described ‘Jamaica’s labour force in the 1950s as mainly labour intensive, where persons could

be unskilled but still be hired, but after the 1970s there has been a drastic decrease in the

production of these industries. This has led to serious issues such as social dislocations in the

23
country, including a general deterioration in living standards for most Jamaicans, increased

unemployment, greater inequalities in the distribution of income and increased criminal activity’,

which still persist today.

The Geert Hofstede Theory, in particular the power distance aspect could be used to

examine the inequalities identified. Runaway Suitcase (2020) describes ‘power distance as the

degree to which members of society expect and accept an uneven distribution of authority,

resources, and privileges. The threads of this dimension of culture run through social institutions

and organizations such as schools, political bodies, the family, and the workplace.

To conclude, the disparities identified within the Jamaican society have long since

existed and it seems as if persons have accepted these conditions. However, to combat

unemployment which would reduce crime and violence these issues need to be addressed, not

only for a better society but one where we all have equal access to fundamental resources.

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Recommendations

1. Build more schools and give both girls and boys an equal opportunity to attend an elite

school.

The academic battles of boys in high schools across the country have been an emerging

concern for the Jamaican Society over the years. Reports on knowledge levels and national exam

scores have consistently revealed that they have been underperforming and not participating.

According to the 2019 CSEC results, the school with the highest Grade in the said exams were

all, All-Girls and Co-head Schools, the All-Boys Schools ranked at number fifteen (15) and

below. Additionally, the 2012 Report Card on Education in Jamaica rated education gender

equity a D (unsatisfactory) and stated that gender equity was trending downwards due to male

students’ consistent academic underperformance (Sewell-Lawson, 2012). The report concluded

that young men were underserved by the Jamaican education system.

Therefore, is the crime rate due to a lack of interest in the education system or the issue

of role models in our inner-city communities or curtailing lesson plans to the learning styles of

boys.

Dr. Herbert Gayle categorically stated that for Jamaica to eradicate male violence we

should give each boy an equal opportunity to attend an ‘elite’ school. In our view, we disagree

with this recommendation. The establishment of Faculty Zone Schools in our view would be a

better proposal in achieving academic equality. Moving away from the classes’ notions of one

local Secondary School being more “elite” than the other. Where parents must “pull tooth’s and

25
nails” for a student to attend these schools, that is offering the same curriculum as the schools in

their communities.

Based on an article that was written in the Jamaica Gleaner, captioned “Establish faculty

zones to attain tutorial equality”, dated December 4, 2013, the article expressed that students be

offered incentives to attend schools within their communities, such as, free education or at the

lower cost school fees. This will add to these boys becoming role models for the future

generation in their communities, as the younger boys in the community would see them going to

school and matriculating in society and emulate them.

The article further elaborated that the best students are placed at ‘elite’ schools, and out

of them came triple-crowned students, whereas different schools that receive average students

get less-impressive results, without there being any way of knowing whether the schools did

more than act as an archway straddling their passage. The fact remains that these schools are

deemed as better than the others because the Education System at the Primary Level places all

the well-performing students at certain schools that are well resourced and funded by their

Alumni and/or other associate organizations.

The Jamaican Education System could invest in more creative educational approaches to

teaching that will capture the imagination of our boys, instead of insisting that they conform to a

curriculum they have no amount of interest in. It is evident that boys learn differently from girls,

thus the Army and Navy Academy recommended five (5) ways of learning for boys, namely:

Cerebral Cortex, Movement, Competition, Eyesight, Relational Learning.

 Cerebral Cortex – designing lesson plans that relate to the boys’ ability and what they

like. For example: Games.

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  Movements – preparing interactive lessons that encourage movements and alertness.

 Competition - A competition as simple as seeing which team of students can solve a

problem the fastest can turn a typical lesson into a very exciting one.

 Eyesight – taking a class outside and bringing lessons to life examples.

 Relational Learning - small class sizes at a school like Army and Navy Academy would

allow boys and teachers to get to know each other very well. After class, teachers hold

office hours and lead clubs or coach athletic teams so that students can get to know them

outside of the classroom. This helps boys become more invested in their own learning

experiences.

2. Males need to be better able to express themselves.

When it involves processing emotions, the expectations for boys and girls are completely

different. Girls’ emotional expectations are usually viewed as “sensitive,” it is socially

acceptable for them to express their feelings, like unhappiness or concern or even cry. Boys are

expected to be robust and fearless and are not inspired to externally categorize their emotions. In

most cases when boys express their feelings, they are associated with being effeminate.

These cultural norms and gender stereotypes have been current for generations, and this

may be harmful particularly to our boys. Boys who express their emotions are categorized

usually as being weak as stated in Dr. Gayle’s interview. Due to this, several men neglect to

display their true emotions, as they are terrified of the repercussions. However, suppressing

emotions and feelings may be unbelievably prejudiced to a boy’s psychological state.

Boys are emotional beings, though in our culture boys are expected and encouraged to

suppress their emotions. Once a boy starts to cry, it is said, “Stop crying like a girl”, thus men

27
will express themselves to how society expects them to. The talkative and communicatory boys

are deemed as unattractive to most girls, despite some girls claiming otherwise. The aggressive,

unemotional, impassive type continues to be the quality of marriage/relationship as our culture

dictates.

The Consequences of Emotional Avoidance

Some portion of what causes us, humans, to hide our emotions is our ability to feel our

emotions and cycle our feelings. At the point when we are cheerful, we need to grin and show

energy. At the point when we are irate, our body worries and our voice level ascents. At the point

when we are sad, we normally need to cry.

At the point when we keep away from those feelings, it can prompt various results,

including psychological wellness problems. Suffocating our feelings can prompt gloom and

tension, yet for men particularly, it can likewise build their danger of self-destruction.

How will Men learn to be vulnerable?

The solution to the present issue is for men to find out a way to become vulnerable and

permit themselves to express their emotions freely; however, usually this can be often easier said

than done. It will be uncomfortable for men to feel comfortable showing their true emotions,

particularly if they have been inactive for all their lives. The following are ways men can work

on expressing their emotions:

 Be honest regarding how you are feeling

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 To be vulnerable, men should be honest regarding how they are feeling. So often, men

can feel a glimmer of disappointment or grief and quickly shut it down because of cultural

expectations. To open up regarding their emotions, you would like to just accept them and feel

them.

 Find therapeutic hobbies

Finding hobbies that permit men to mirror their feelings could be a good way to faucet

into their emotions. One man suffered from womb-to-tomb depression and anxiety complexity.

Walking his dog perpetually helped him feel higher. He eventually started the organization

Dudes & Dogs, which permits men to induce along in nature and have real conversations,

typically regarding the psychological state. Alternative samples of therapeutic activities include

area unit change of state, exercising, art, and music.

3. Provide them with resources/tools in schools as requested by administrators.

Give Principals a voice in budget decisions

A few regions, (as the Education Department is divided by regions), have executed

different practices to give principals a voice in setting regional spending plans, designation of

assets to schools in their regions, even though much of the well established Alumni

organizations, churches and businesses associated with these schools, provide extra income for

them.

Authorities in three (3) of the four (4) regions showed that the government played a huge

part in setting regional spending plans, while just one of the three schools demonstrated that

administrators had a voice in spending plan conversations.

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"Consistently in January or February, we have budget plan hearings. ... Each principal is offered

the chance to come presently. [They are asked] 'Do you require extra educators? For what reason

do you require them? Do you require extra projects? For what reason do you require them? What

might be the result?' Hence, they will introduce all of that in the budget debate to set up our

financial plan. Tragically, in the budget debate that does not get a great deal of additional

subsidizing."

The Ministry of Education could look at the cash flow of many of these well-supported

schools and provide fundings according to the needs of these schools, to allow underfunded

schools to benefit more from the scuffers of the Government.

In a Time of Scarcity, Make the Most of Resources

While money can make a difference in improving outcomes in education, higher teacher

salaries improve the quality of education, higher teacher-student ratios allow for more

personalized schools, guidance and advisement systems support every student, money alone will

not improve schools or reduce achievement gaps.

The schools have the resources however, we need to focus on these points which are

intended to improve on the resources that are allocated to schools:

 Educators' time frequently is the most wasted in the school’s system. One more

continuous source of waste is the partially-carried out projects that have either begun by a

Ministry of Education (MOE) or school’s principal and not completed after an

30
 administration changes or considered as independent arrangements (e.g., lower class

sizes, more innovation).

 Decentralize dynamic with regards to resources so principals and school educators can

choose how best to use the resources/tools for school improvement, instead of being

dictated to on how to use the resources granted to them, by individuals who are unaware

of the school needs.

 Give proficient improvement to expand the limit of administrators and other school

pioneers to utilize assets very well. It is said that boys need more attention than girls.

4. Expanding programmes like the VIP Programmes under PMI.

Dr. Herbert Gayle argued that the country needs to expand the VIP programme under the

PMI, however, based on an article captioned “Peace out - PMI to bid farewell to over 40

violence-prone communities due to funding cut” Published: Sunday | December 15, 2020.

The article is based on the intention by the Government of Jamaica to pull the Peace

Management Initiative (PMI), which has supported over forty volatile communities in Jamaica

for over seventeen (17) years. The programme was previously supported by the Citizen Security

and Justice Programme (CSJP), from which the majority of its funding is received.

31
 The national violence-interruption programme through which One Hundred and Thirty

(130) peace advocates are deployed to the more than forty (40) communities in St James,

Kingston, St Catherine, Westmoreland, Hanover and Clarendon to prevent conflicts from

escalating, is among the programmes that will be stopped. The Entity also has additional

programmes such as the Kingston chapter of Mothers united against gun violence and a Trauma

Response Programme that, on average, treat a minimum of thirty active gun-related conflicts

across the country at any given time will also be ceased.

The Honourable Dr Horace Chang, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National

Security says, “I make no apology for saying that the current mechanism of social intervention

has not worked and is not working,” Chang told members of parliament. However, the Minister

of National Security said that the investment would instead be made in rehabilitating police

stations, creating a stronger investigative unit and improving other aspects of the security forces,

such as communication. Money will also be spent on improving schools and other social

amenities in the communities.

Subsequently, Dr. H. Gayle, believes PMI’s initiatives work contrary to observations

from National Security Minister. Noting practical proof based on a study carried out in 2018

showed that there was a 100% reduction in crime in several communities in St. Catherine and St.

James where the group had intervened. He stated that the results gained are more valuable than

the money spent. Dr. Elizabeth Ward also agrees with Dr. Gayle’s claims.

32
Conclusion

The solution to crime is not just a narrow road, it takes many avenues to get there and one

must accept and be patient with the process, as many of our ills are embedded in the culture.

Throughout this report, we explored the claims made by Dr. Gayle using the various levels of

analysis with supporting theories and Caribbean examples to portray the claims he made;

recommendations were also given pertaining to lowering crime and violence in Jamaica from the

perspective that men are more violent than women thus they are the ones causing more violence

and crime in our society.

We strongly believe that the government should allow for the continuation of the Peace

Management Initiative (PMI) programme as data has proven its worth. We need to understand

that there is not only one resolution to crime, and therefore the PMI has not received one hundred

per cent success in all told areas, but having worked with members of the safety forces, churches,

native and international teams, there is no questioning its performance.

33
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