MODULE 1: CARIBBEAN SOCIETY AND CULTURE

1.

Location and Definition of the Caribbean Region and its Diaspora

Terms

Meanings

Description

Geographic
al

The study of landscape

and how people use and
interact with the land

The Caribbean is greatly influenced, both positively and

negatively, by the natural environment. This means that
although a country may not have a coastline, they are still
considered to be part of the Caribbean. Such countries include
Guyana and the Bahamas. Many territories share similar
weather patterns, climates as well as natural hazards.

Geological

The study of the structure,

evolution and dynamics of
the Earths crust and with
the exploitation of mineral
and energy sources

Countries that are situated in the Caribbean share similar

landscapes and crustal structures. Because of this, territories
also share similar seismic experiences, tectonic and volcanic
features. For example: limestone landscapes in Barbados,
volcanic and mountainous island of Windward and Leeward
islands.

Historical

The examination of past

events and people

The Caribbean was impacted by the European colonization,

slavery, indentureship and the plantation system that shaped
culture and society. These events led to linguistic and cultural
differences.

Political

The study of states or

social groups attempt to
share power or influence
the distribution of power

Diverse types of political arrangements; republicanism,

democratic socialism (Jamaica), cooperative republic
(Guyana), communism (Cuba), overseas department status
(ABC Islands)
Different types of electoral processes and constitutional
arrangements; Westminster System (Anglophone Caribbean),
internal self government (Curacao, Saba)
Political and economic efforts at unification efforts; Federation
(1958-1962), OECS, CARICOM, CARIFORUM

Diasporic

The scattered or grouped

migration of people away
from their country or origin
which can be due to forced
or voluntary migration

The Caribbean consists of a very diverse, introduced

population of different ethnicities and nationalities. The
diaspora of the West Indies exists all over the world. People
left due to recession, poverty, social displacement as a result
of natural disaster and crime.
The collective economic contribution of remittances is
significant to the Caribbean economies and development. The
Caribbean diaspora sent remittances amounting to US 69.2
billion in 2008.