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Ties that Bind: The black family in post-slavery Jamaica, 1834-1882
Ties that Bind examines the efforts by ordinary Jamaicans to consolidate family life and relationships and to prioritise the wellbeing of their families in the challenging years of the post- slavery nineteenth century. Some of the themes emphasised in the book include the persistent activism displayed by blacks to strengthen families through re-unification of members separated by slavery, the unfailing advocacy by fathers, as well as mothers, to ensure the benefits of freedom, such as education for their children, while re-asserting their parental autonomy in shaping their children’s futures under freedom. The work also examines the impact of the policies of the colonial government intended mainly to influence the family life of black Jamaicans within the context of European norms. In spite of these official attempts by the state, the book presents evidence of continued family values and family culture, such as strong kinship ties, collective socialisation of children and reverence for the elderly, all of which had been significant in West Africa, the point of cultural origin of most Jamaicans. The book indicates that these family values underwent a degree of creolisation, resulting in the shaping of a unique Jamaican experience.
While highlighting the roles of women in family life, the book also engages readers with evidence that black Jamaican men were active in the lives and struggles of their family members, contributing in many ways to family security even in the most challenging socioeconomic circumstances and times of crisis. Families in freedom faced innumerable obstacles, and the inability of many to overcome, no doubt, contributed to reports of
While highlighting the roles of women in family life, the book also engages readers with evidence that black Jamaican
men were active in the lives and struggles of their family members, contributing in many ways to family security even
in the most challenging socioeconomic circumstances and times of crisis.
Recognising Outstanding Researchers 2016