Social institutions in Caribbean Society and Culture Flashcards
(21 cards)
What is a societal institution?
A structured system of rule-governed behaviours developed to meet the needs of society. Examples include the family, education, religion, and the justice system
What is a social organisation?
A tangible structure that carries out specific goals in society (e.g. schools, courts, churches). It is a practical expression of a societal institution
How are institutions different from organisations?
Institutions are abstract systems (e.g. education), while organisations are the specific bodies within them (e.g. schools, ministries).
How do functionalists view societal institutions?
As systems that maintain social order, stability, and equilibrium. They help socialise individuals and preserve cultural norms
How do conflict theorists (Marxists) view institutions?
As tools that reinforce inequality and elite dominance (e.g., patriarchy in the family, elitism in education)
What are the four main functions of the family?
Reproduction
Socialisation
Emotional support
Economic support
What is primary socialisation?
The early stage of social learning that occurs in the family—learning language, behaviour, and values
How has colonialism shaped Caribbean family forms?
Colonialism discouraged stable African family units. This led to matrifocal and visiting relationships, which still exist today
What type of family did East Indians bring to the Caribbean?
The extended family structure, now common across ethnic groups
What are the roles of education in the Caribbean?
Transmit cultural values
Train workforce
Promote social mobility (ideally)
Reinforce social stratification (conflict theory)
What is secondary socialisation?
The social learning that occurs outside the family—in schools, media, and peer groups
How did post-independence education shift?
Education moved away from British models and focused more on Caribbean experiences (e.g. CXC syllabi in 1972)
What gender shift occurred in Caribbean education?
Females now outperform males in many areas, including scholarships and leadership positions
What is syncretism in Caribbean religion?
The blending of African, Christian, and other religious beliefs (e.g., Kumina, Revival, Shango, Santeria)
What are the positive roles of religion (functionalist view)?
Promotes heritage and morality
Provides social cohesion
Offers comfort and identity
Encourages tolerance through festivals
What are conflict theory views on religion?
Religion is used to maintain the status quo and elite control
What is the role of the Caribbean justice system?
To ensure fairness, uphold laws, maintain order, and protect citizens via courts, police, and prisons
What challenges does the justice system face?
Mistrust from the population
Historical elitism
Police brutality
Outdated laws
Inequitable punishments
What is the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)?
Established in 2001 as a regional final court of appeal for CARICOM nations and to rule on integration issues
How do institutions preserve Caribbean culture?
Through socialisation, cultural retention, and transmission of values via family, schools, and religion
How do institutions shape gender roles?
Boys and girls are taught distinct roles from a young age—outdoor/leadership for boys, indoor/caregiver for girls—reinforced by schools and religion
