Characteristics of Society and Culture

• Society

  A social construction with multiple meanings. In other words, rather than having an inherent or natural meaning, our understandings of the term are created or invented. A number of meanings are in popular use.
• Definition of Society

  A group of people living together in a defined territorial space, experiencing continuity over a long period of time, there is a sense of belonging and these people work towards a common goal.
• Characteristics of Society

  • Shared common purpose.
  • Defined territorial space
  • Continuity over time and space
  • Citizenship within a space
• Defined Territorial Space 


  People who conjure an image of space and place where the group is ‘contained’ and such a construction of society has a strong historical (people held together by past events), political (people bound together by ideas of government and the state), geographical (people who live in a region develop ways of interacting that are influenced by that place & whose shores are washed by the Caribbean Sea) and ecological (people develop ways of adapting to their environmental conditions) perspectives.
• Limitation of Defined Territorial Space 


  View ignores the idea that Caribbean people can live in areas far from the Caribbean region – as in the diaspora.
• Shares A Common Purpose 


  This stresses common bonds or the values shared by group members, which structure their interaction and relationships. This idea is based on consensus, harmony and order thought to prevail in society. It portrays an image of society that is peaceful. Caribbean people share a common history of colonialism, slavery and the plantation system which has led to the development of a common culture, norms and value systems. Christian, Rastafarian, Hindu & Islamic people share a common space in the Caribbean and are governed by a broad set of values.
• Limitation of Shares a Common Purpose

  In some Caribbean plural societies, there are deep-seated tensions often because groups have competing/conflicting common purposes.
• Citizenship Within A Space

  This focuses on the political aspect of society where those who belong to the group have formal membership involving laws, sanctions and official marks of belonging. A group of people native to a state or country, who are citizens or nationals. Nationals are part of a society through their birthright and government-issued documentation, formalizing their membership.
• Limitations of Citizenship Within a Space

  Ignores that some Caribbean people have migrated to find work or to study while retaining their citizenship in the country where they were born. (Koren and Chinese illegal migrant workers operating businesses in Jamicia are not citizens but are considered part of society over time)
• Continuity Over Time and Space 


  Characterized by the existence of a group and the permanent aspects of their culture within a space over a specific period of time. For instance, Mexico is a physical space where specific forms of language, dance, and cuisine have been identified since the arrival of the Spanish.
• Limitation of Continuity Over Time and Space

  Haitian migrants who fled to Jamaica after the ousting of President Aristide have not been present long enough or in large numbers to form a Haitian society within that space.
• Learning Society 


  This suggests that normal participation in church, work and leisure should involve learning. It is a definition that envisions learning as a way of organizing society.
• Limitation of Learning Society

  Ignores inequalities in learning opportunities in some Caribbean societies.
• Information Society 


  A society where maximum use is made of information and communications technologies. Groups in society use the new technologies to lead lives of utmost efficiency and enjoyment. The term suggests that the way information is managed, stored and communicated influences relationships among people.
• Limitation of Information Society 


  This understanding ignores the digital divide in Caribbean societies.
• What Makes Caribbean Society

  • A shared common history of colonialism by European powers
  • A common geographical location
  • A commonality in race, ethnic heritage and migratory patterns of it habitants
  • Shared language and forms of communication
  • Similarities in religious influences and beliefs
• Elements of Society

  • Social interactions – An exchange between 2 or more individuals which creates the building block of a society. For a society to exist there must be social interaction.
  • Social behavior – Behavior among the people within a society that arises through social interactions. Social behaviors influence individual’s behavior and relate to each other.
• Elements of Society Cont...

  • Social institutions – Established patterns of behavior in a society and are based on the relationship between people. Shape the way people think and behave in society.
  • Social structure – A network of interrelationship among individuals, groups and institutions.
• Definitions of Society

  • A group of people living in a defined territorial space, experiencing continuity over a long period of time.
  • A group of people with a common purpose that structures their relationships and interactions.
  • The experience of citizenship within a space.
  • An ideal that a group of people strive to achieve.
• Culture

  Culture can be simply defined as the way of life of a group of people within a specific society. It encompasses the shared beliefs, values, customs, behavior and artifacts that characteristic a particular group of people. Includes aspects like language, traditions, arts, social institutions which shape identity and practices of a society.
• Definitions of Culture

  • Learnt behavior
  • Customs and traditions
  • Norms and Values
  • Institutions prescribing behavior
  • Gendered Practices
• Learnt Behavior 


  Cultural practices eventually become ritualistic behaviors or customs that seem normal to all in a society; even subgroups that may not share the same beliefs accept the cultural practices of their region as normal behavior. These practices or ‘normal behaviors’ are termed cultural norms. For example, church attendance on a Sunday by Christians is deemed an acceptable and normal behavior which even non-Christians have become accustomed to witnessing.
• Customs and Traditions

  Customs and traditions are cultural expressions passed down through generations, playing a crucial role in Caribbean society. They preserve and maintain cultural identity, defining Caribbean citizens' beliefs and enabling other societies to identify with Caribbean people. Examples of cultural traditions include dance, arts, crafts, festivals, and rituals that form part of religious and superstitious beliefs.
• Norms and Values 


  Values and beliefs guide social attitudes and behavior, forming norms that can lead to rewards like praise or advancement. Cultural norms, such as abstaining from sex before marriage, shaking hands, and refraining from certain acts, are considered norms. These norms are protected by sanctions and laws, such as theft.
• Limitations of Norms and Values

  However, values and norms can change over time. For example, many Caribbean territories have 'buggery laws' that outlaw homosexual acts, which were once seen as criminal. However, the views of many have changed, and The Bahamas was the first Caribbean country to abolish its 'buggery laws', decriminalizing same-sex relationships. This highlights the importance of maintaining and upholding values and norms in society.
• Institutions

  Societal institutions (religion, justice, education, family) play a crucial role in socialization by teaching and influencing accepted behavior and values. They also defend and uphold cultural forms, reinforcing their value among members of society. In the modern world, globalization often leads to cultural imperialism, as seen in the Caribbean where North American cultural traits are pervasive.
• Limitation of Institutions

  The Caribbean's religion, family, and education institutions continue to promote and protect local forms of culture, while indigenous and African cultures are largely retained due to these institutions.
• Gendered Practices 


  Gender plays a significant role in shaping one's identity, with societal institutions, particularly family, significantly influencing gender ideologies and practices. In Caribbean families, children are enculturated from a young age, with boys assuming protective roles and girls nurturing roles. They are also encouraged to have sexual relations only with women and are often ridiculed or physically abused for expressing feminine or homosexual tendencies.
• Gendered Practices Cont...

  The education system perpetuates these gendered practices, with girls focusing on arts and caring subjects, and boys pursuing technical or scientific subjects.

  Same limitation for norms and values can be used for gendered practices.
• Ways In Which Indo - Caribbean People Have Influenced Caribbean Culture

  • Culinary diversity and fusion
  • Religious syncretism
  • Art and music traditions
  • Language and linguistic contributions
• Ways In Which Indo - Caribbean People Have Influenced Caribbean Culture Cont...

  • Culinary Diversity and fusion - Indo-Caribbean cuisine, characterized by the use of spices, herbs, and unique cooking techniques, has become an integral part of Caribbean gastronomy. Roti, curry, and doubles are widespread, offering a delectable fusion of Indian flavors with Caribbean ingredients. Have not only shaped local diets but have also become emblematic of Caribbean culinary identity.
• Ways In Which Indo - Caribbean People Have Influenced Caribbean Culture Cont...

  • Religious syncretism - preservation and adaptation of Hindu and Islamic practices. Temples and mosques dot the Caribbean landscape, serving as centers for worship, cultural activities, and community gatherings. The celebration of Hindu festivals like Diwali and Islamic observances contributes to the rich religious tapestry. Coexistence of Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and other belief systems reflects the inclusive and syncretic nature of Caribbean spirituality,
• Ways In Which Indo - Caribbean People Have Influenced Caribbean Culture Cont...

  • Art and music traditions - Traditional Indian instruments and musical styles have seamlessly blended with Afro-Caribbean and indigenous influences, giving rise to unique musical genres. Chutney music, for example, incorporates elements of Indian classical music, soca, and calypso, creating a distinct Indo-Caribbean sound. Dance forms like the energetic and celebratory "jhumar" and "pichakaree" have become integral parts showcasing the fusion of diverse cultural elements.
• Ways In Which Indo - Caribbean People Have Influenced Caribbean Culture Cont...

  • Language and linguistic contributions - Words, phrases, and expressions from Hindi and other Indian languages have seamlessly integrated into Caribbean English and creole languages. Linguistic fusion reflects the daily interactions and cultural exchange. Serves a dynamic testament to the ongoing influence of Indo-Caribbean culture on the linguistic diversity.
• Ways In Which The Indigenous People Have Contributed to Caribbean Culture

  • Agricultural practices
  • Art and craftmanship
  • Spirituality and belief system
  • Language and communication
• Ways In Which The Indigenous People Have Contributed to Caribbean Culture

  • Agricultural practices - learnt how to farm which influenced their settlement, indigenous agricultural techniques and crops have significantly influenced Caribbean cuisine and farming practices. Staples such as cassava, yams and sweet potatoes were cultivated by the indigenous people. The use of traditional farming methods such as the slash and burn is still utilized by famers today and the cultivation of indigenous crops to provide a source of income.
• Ways In Which The Indigenous People Have Contributed to Caribbean Culture Cont...

  • Art and Craftmanship - intricate designs found in traditional crafts, ropes, pottery and basketry often reflect the artistic styles of indigenous communities. These artistic expressions are incorporated into contemporary Caribbean art, preserving the legacy of indigenous creativity. In contemporary world, many incorporate aspects or pieces of the indigenous art and craftsmanship with a modern taste to create some unique and provide a source of income.
• Ways In Which The Indigenous People Have Contributed to Caribbean Culture Cont...

  • Spirituality and Belief System - Elements of indigenous cosmologies and rituals have blended with later religious traditions, creating syncretic belief systems. (Haiti there traditional religion is vodou which is a combination of African, indigenous and European influences). Show casing the redolence and adaptability of indigenous spirituality. Till this day many if not all religions do believe that spirits take a form that symbolizes something to them.
• Ways In Which The Indigenous People Have Contributed to Caribbean Culture Cont...

  • Language and communication - left prolonging impacts on Caribbean culture through their contributions to language. Many words utilized in Caribbean languages such as Arawakan and Carib have indigenous origins. Few persons that still speak the language. To give rebirth tot the language it is now a language program in UWI that students can pursue. Due to European colonization, Caribbean territories now either speak English, French, Spanish or Dutch.
• Explain The Relationship Between Culture And Society

  • Norms/ Values/ Beliefs
  • Social institutions
  • Gender role
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