Page 19 - CAPE Caribbean Studies Study Guide Sample_Neat

Module 2 Issues in Caribbean development

People may gain upward social mobility and this may be achieved through ✓ Exam tip
meritocracy. Meritocracy is progress based on an individual’s education,
training and skills. Caribbean countries allow individuals to gain social To answer a question on this topic,
mobility through education, legacy, marriage, class, race and status. For you should be able to elaborate on
example, in Trinidad and Tobago education is free for all who are willing. This what factors determine position
promotes development. An example of a hindrance to development is the in society, ascription versus
continuity of ascription.
achievement. Also, you should be
able to describe how social class
Social class and its influence on development leads to class conflict.

How social class promotes development

Education is seen as the main reason for the upward social mobility of lower-
class people. Education has allowed people to become qualified in different Key points
fields and eventually to acquire jobs. Once employed they may be able to
sustain themselves and their families as a result of moving into a higher ■ Historically, position in
income bracket. This leads to development as there will be less dependence Caribbean society was based on
on government for social welfare. The money earmarked for social welfare can ascribed factors. However, within
then be used to improve other sectors such as education, health and national the contemporary Caribbean,
security. position is based on meritocracy
and this has led to the class
Women have used education as a way to move away from the traditional roles stratification system.
of housewife and carer and to get careers so that they become income earners.
■ A stratification system based on
Education, skills and qualifications have given women the opportunity to class allows for social mobility.
excel and achieve success in life. This has contributed to development, since This is evident where lower
women have become an integral part of the workforce and productivity and classes of people gain social
output has increased. As a result, the government earns more revenue from mobility by getting an education
taxes charged on incomes.
and being appointed to more
How social class hinders development prestigious jobs.
■ Women have also gained social
Within the class stratification system the different classes are ranked in
mobility through education,
a hierarchical order. Karl Marx posits that the upper class or bourgeoisie
which has allowed them to
control the means of production and the wealth of the economy. Thus, in
become empowered and move
today’s society, the bourgeoisie exploit the proletariat. The very nature of
away from traditional roles.
social stratification indicates inequality in society, and class conflicts tend to
be the norm in these stratified societies. There is often the view that the upper ■ However, class has led to many
classes tend to use the resources of the country for their own gain and thus cases of conflict among groups in
the lower classes do not receive their fair share of those resources. the region.
The changing class boundaries have led to social exclusion of some groups
such as the Amerindians in Belize and Guyana, where these groups face
marginalisation. Also, lower-class groups are vulnerable to poverty since they
may be discriminated against in relation to access to government services,
education and health.

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