Culture and Society,Diversity

• Historical Caribbean

  Countries that have shared experiences of European colonisation, slavery, indentureship and the plantation system
• Leading colonial powers in the Caribbean

  • Spain
  • Holland
  • France
  • Britain
• The leading colonial powers colonised the Caribbean territories from the early sixteenth century onwards
• Other colonial powers that claimed various territories in the Caribbean

  • Denmark
  • Sweden
  • Portugal
• The common colonial influences on the territories of the Caribbean led to similar historical and cultural experiences across the region
• Although they (Africans, Indians, Chinese) have lived in close proximity for more than a century, each group possesses institutions, authority patterns, kinship groups and goals.

  The African Caribbean Family

  This demographic constitutes 80-90% of the population of the Caribbean. 
• Indian family structure

  • Similar to their Indian counterparts
  • Many elements of their culture were retained
• Father in Indian family

  • Breadwinner and absolute head of the family
  • Primary authority figure in most matters
• In the Indian family, males were valued more than females
• Mother in Indian family

  • Plays the role of the nurturer
  • Major role is to get married and contribute to their husband's household
• According to the Hindu perspective, women are seen as subordinate and inferior to men
• Principal role of Indian children

  To bring honor to their family through achievements, good behavior and contributions
• Characteristics of Indian children

  • Obedience
  • Conformity
• They are usually referred to as the missing minority. There has been very little research or written about them. They came to the region between 1853 and 1866 as indentured laborers. In the late 19th century and the first half of the 20th century they came as entrepreneurs. They owned laundries, restaurants and supermarkets.