Caribbean studies: Society and Culture

Question 1

What is society?

Answer 1

Society may be defined as a group of people living in the same geographic area over time and who have shared beliefs, customs, laws and traditions.

Question 2

Describe popular ways of understanding society, outlining ONE limitation of EACH for understanding societies.
1.

Answer 2

Characteristics of Society
A group of people living together in a defined territorial space, experiencing continuity over a long period of time - group is ‘contained’; historical, political, geographical.

Flaws
Does not account for people who live in areas far from the Caribbean – Caribbean diaspora in the metropole

Question 3

Describe popular ways of understanding society, outlining ONE limitation of EACH for understanding societies.
2.

Answer 3

Characteristics of Society

People having a shared common purpose;
stresses common bond; shared values, image of society that is peaceful

Flaws

• Overlook the internal conflicts and competing interests that exist within any society. It can mask disparities in power and resources.
• In some Caribbean plural societies there are deep- seated tensions often because groups have competing/conflicting common purposes
• tribal politics (PNM VS UNC)

Question 4

Describe popular ways of understanding society, outlining ONE limitation of EACH for understanding societies.
3.

Answer 4

Characteristics of Society
People occupying an area continuously overtime and space…
traditions, practices, and institutions are passed down through generations, helping to maintain the societal structure over time.

Flaws
underestimation of social change or the dynamic nature of modern societies.
cultural erasure may occur or there may be a need for cultural retention or renewal

Question 5

Describe popular ways of understanding society, outlining ONE limitation of EACH for understanding societies.
4.

Answer 5

Characteristics of Society
Citizenship within a defined space; those who belong have formal membership; official marks of belonging; focus is on the political aspect

Flaws
Ignores that some Caribbean people have migrated to find work or to study while retaining citizenship in the country they were born. Others form part of the society even though their actual citizenship is elsewhere.
- It risks ignoring the experiences and
contributions of non-citizens to the societal fabric.
Some Caribbean islands citizenship lies in their mother country like Martinique

Question 6

Describe popular ways of understanding society, outlining ONE limitation of EACH for understanding societies.
5.

Answer 6

Characteristics of Society
Information society; use is made of information and communication technologies

Flaws
Ignores the digital divide
some countries are less developed and have less access to resources (Hati)

Question 7

Describe popular ways of understanding society, outlining ONE limitation of EACH for understanding societies.
6.

Answer 7

Characteristics of Society
Learning society; normal participation in church, work, leisure should involve learning

Flaws
Ignores inequalities in learning opportunities- less developed countries

Question 8

Culture:

Answer 8

1. ways of life
2. artistic and literary creations/practices
3. lived experiences of a people

Question 9

Characteristics of Culture

Answer 9

• Learnt behaviour common to all human beings…socialization –not innate
• Symbolic based on customs and traditions; religious, secular(activities not bound to religious rule), social
• Norms and values which provide a guide to behaviour – acceptable vs. non-acceptable behaviour
• Institutions which prescribe behaviour : Family, education, religion, justice system
• Gendered practices : role given to males and females