Race and Ethnicity: Session 10

• Session 10 examines race and ethnicity

Examining Race

• Race is a socially constructed classification based on perceived biological characteristics
• Such characteristics have been assigned social importance
• Divisions depend to some extent on prejudice

Race Socialization

• The process where race-related messages are transmitted across generations
• Messages concern the meaning of race and racism
• Includes how families, communities, and institutions communicate about race and racial hierarchies
• Parents might discuss racial identity and discrimination
• Schools are teaching for respect of racial diversity

Race Dynamics in South Africa

• The Apartheid System, a racist ideology of white supremacy, caused institutionalized segregation and discrimination against non-white populations
• This system was enforced through laws and policies that restricted the non-whites freedom

Group Areas Act

• Designated specific areas for different groups

Pass Act

• Regulated movement of Black South Africans

Race Dynamics in the Caribbean

• Plantation Society Theory: The social structure of the Caribbean regions was shaped by the plantation economy which leads to racial inequality
• Racism can be seen as a legacy of colonialism
• White elites historically dominated over black and mixed populations
• Colonial rule continues to influence power dynamics, social status, and opportunities based on race

Plantation Society Class Structure

• Stratification was rigid: no one could hope to move up
• Race and class were linked and the system was based on ascriptive race

Colorism in the Caribbean

• Discrimination based on skin tone within the same racial or ethnic group
• Colorism has deep historical roots, stemming from colonialism and slavery
• Lighter-skinned individuals received special treatment
• Preference lead to advantages in employment, education, and social status

Responses to racism in the Caribbean

• Negritude:
• Cultural movement started in the 1930s affirming pride in shared black identity and heritage
• Reclaiming self-respect especially though literature and the arts.
• The Black Power Movement:
• Protest action against conditions keeping the black population out of jobs, housing, and opportunities.
• Marches and trade union activism threatened to cripple the economy

Ethnicity

• Cultural elements and groups are defined by membership in cultural groups such as religious, language, gender, and national groups
• Aspects include relationships between groups considered and regarded as being culturally distinctive
• These groups may be ranked hierarchically within a society

Ethnicity: Cultural groups

• Africans: Patois language, Spiritual Baptist/Orisha religion, Emancipation Day/Tobago Heritage Festival
• East Indians: Trinidad Bhojpuri/Caribbean Hindustani language, Hinduism/Islam religion, Indian Arrival Day/Divali

Ethnicity in the Caribbean

• Plural Society Thesis: Groups coexisted in close proximity, but maintained distinct cultural practices where they mix but don't combine
• Each group retained its own institutions/values without integrating
• Social interaction was confined within each group
• Certain cultural groups dominate economically/politically and reinforce community segmentation
• Creole Society Theory says the unique dynamics of the Caribbean regions emerged from the interactions between colonizers, slaves, indigenous peoples, and laborers
• These interactions formed a new culture with elements from all groups
• Hybrid cultures include practices, languages, food, and music that reflect the historical context of the Caribbean