Sociology Unit 1&2 Questions with solution

Essay strategy for Can Sociology be value free?

These are simply suggestions for how on emay answer a question related to this topic. Always
that in sociology there are several ways to answer the same question.
Paragraph suggestions:
Introduction
1. Define the term value free
Primogeniture - The right of the eldest child, especially the eldest son, to
inherit the entire estate of one or both parents.
Polygamous - root word greek (poly -many), (gamos- marriage); many
marriages. It refer to the practice of plural marriages, usually involving one
spouse who is common to several other conjugal partners.
Monogamous - (mono - one) ; one marriage. Marriage to one conjugal partner
at a time. The commitment usually ends either with death or divorce.
Reconstituted family can be a nuclear unit consisting to individuals who had
previously been married. Various factors may account for the formation of a
reconstituted household, which include divorce or death.
Conjugal - refer to/ relates to marriage or the relationship of spouses; with all
the attendent responsibilites that are culturally impiled in this role. Thus it
may include functions relating to sexual gratification, economic co-operation,
affectivity etc...
Social Control - refers to the modes of regulating people's behaviour. These
regulations may take the form of formal regulations, which occur as state
laws, official instituional rules and other civil regulatory codes eg traffic laws.
They may also take the form of informal directives such as customs, group
attitudes and practices etc...
The Difference between formal and informal social control
Informal social control usually occur as social values: this can be
translated as customs, traditions and norms. Informal sanctions make take
the form of disapproval as ridicule, sarcasm or criticism. Extreme cases of
sanctions may include social discrimination and exclusion.
Inductive method - The inductive method starts with many observations of
nature, with the goal of finding a few, powerful statements about how nature
works (laws and theories).
Deductive method - The deductive method starts with a few true statements
(axioms) with the goal of proving many true statements (theorems) that
logically follow from them.
Value free - in sociology this suggests that sociological research can be
exectued without researcher bias. That is it can be objective. It assumes that
reserachers can be neutral and deviod of biases.

2. State at the outset whether you believe that sociology can be value free? If yes (then this
essay will advocate the positivist notion of sociological research and critique the
interpretivist notion of sociologcal research). If your answer is no then one would
highlight the virtues of the interpretivist methods of sociological research and critique the
positivist notions of sociological research.
Body - This body argues that sociology cannot be value free!
1. Explain where the idea of value free sociology comes from - (postivism) and how it is
achieved (using the natural science methods).
2. Highlight the fact that some sociologists argue that even the natural sciences in not value
free! eg. Khun, Lynch
3. Round of these assertions by showing that in any area of reserach values will enter, since
values influences choice ot reserch topic - site egs. The issues reserach by famous
sociologists such as Karl Marx and Emile Durkhiem (who both advoacted the scientific
method), are really a refelction of thier own personal values.
4. Contrast: Weber - advocates interpretive sociology (which is a 'valued informed'
sociology). To Weber values are inevitable both to the researcher and the subjects that he
study. Note however that Weber also beleived that once a topic was chosen, a degree of
objectivity was possible (if the resercher does not make value judgements on the results
of the research)
5. Gouldner argues that just as in Greek mythology the minotaur could not be separted inot
man and beast, so too sociology cannot be separated from values.
Conclusion
Summarise major points and state emphatically the final conclusion of the matter based on the
arguments you put forward in the essay.
Note that contemporary sociologists accept that sociology could never be absolutely value free.

To what extent can it be said that Sociology is

not a Science?
Written by: Aaron Andrews
Sociology is the study of human social life, groups and societies. It is a dazzling and compelling
enterprise having as its subject matter our own behavior as social beings. It developed as a result
of changes taking in European societies in the 19th Century. Science on the hand is knowledge
obtained through observation and experiment. In this Essay the writer will be setting out to show

that it can only be said to little extent that Sociology is not a Science.
Sociology is a reasoned and rigorous study of social life, thus it is always considered a science,
since it fulfills the main components of a science; that is, it is theoretical, empirical and
cumulative. This is considered Positivistism. It is theoretical since it searches for relationships
between phenomenon, it is empirical because it uses statistical data and is based on facts and it is
cumulative because it seeks to make generalizations based regularity, whilst knowledge is
constantly being added which connects, extends and refine older theories.
In addition, Sociology follows process such as observation, experiment and formulation of
hypothesis and theories just as in natural science. Sociology is also non-ethical; that is, it is not
concerned with morals. According the positivist perspective, Sociology can be considered a
science, since people, like matter can be objectively observed and classified.
According to Emile Durkheim, objectivity is attainable in Sociology by adapting a scientific
methodology. Another Sociologist Karl Popper also argued that Sociology can be a science, this
by following scientific procedures, having a testable hypothesis, evidence and as such making it
a science.
However, it is also said from the interactionists perspective, that Sociology cannot be a science.
It is said that Sociology requires more interpretive methods as opposed to scientific methods
since society is made up of social actors and their actions. As thus Interpretivists argue that by
restricting sociological research to scientific method positivists lack validity in it evaluation of
society.
The interactionist claim that individuals have a self-concept that is built up, reinforced or
modified during the process of interaction with other members of society. According to Marx
Weber, Sociology involves the study of social actions, thus, complete objectivity is not possible
within sociology.
To concluding, although it can be seen that Sociology in not a science based on the
interactionists perspective, this is only when society is viewed with the individual as the subject
matter and not the whole society. Therefore the writing after taking into consideration the both
sides of arguments based on the question, the writer has come to a conclusion that stating
Sociology is not a science is only correct to an extent, which is based on your view of society.

Family Essay

Does education provide the means to attain upward social mobility in modern Caribbean
society?
This is a rough guide
Introduction:
Define/explain the concept of education and social mobility.
Briefly state its function for Caribbean territories, particularly making reference to the transition
from a bond/un-free/colonial society to a free to independent society.
Body:
Using Case studies eg Jamaica,Trinidad or Barbados for eg, trace the historical development of
education in these territories and show the degree to which social mobility has been attained by
its citizens.
Linking theories:
Pre to immediate post-emancipation into the first half of the twentieth century, Marxist theory
can be used to show how education or the lack of it helped to maintain social class/caste
positions throughout the BWI's. Bowles and Gintis etc...
Independence to present: The functionalist expalnations can be used here to show the education
policies of the newly elected independent local government and what benefits they expected to
derive from expanding education to the wider population. Davis and Moore
Criticisms Melvin Tumin, and other Marxist theorists to show that although social mobility was
attained, the social structure of society in particular the class based system continues to exist and
continues to perpetuate social inequalities in these socieities. Also highlight that students were
streamed via the junior and senior secondary schools (usually lower working class children were
sent to these schools).
Conclusion:
Highlight the progresses made by BWI societies because of education, in particular upward
social mobility. Also note the inadequacies of the education system (inadequate placements,
unqualified teachers or lack of continous teacher training in some territories etc... )

Essay strategy for Caribbean Religon

Identify ONE named Caribbean faith, explain how its origins, beliefs and practices have helped
its practitioners to cope with daily life in the Caribbean
This question states explicitly how it should be answered:

1. Identify a Caribbean faith (religion) of your choice

2. Expalin how it came into exsistence in the Caribbean (origins)
3. Expalin what are the major theological doctrines/teachings (what its adherants believe)
4. Explain what are its major practices (ceremonies, rituals etc)
5. Show how its origins, its doctrines/teachings and its practices helped its adherants to cope
with life in the Caribbean.
6. Since there is no time line specified, however start at its origins. One can end in the
contemporary period.
Introduction:
1. Identify a Caribbean faith (religion) of your choice
2. Briefly explain the meaning of the name of the religion (if possible) eg pocomanina (a
little madness)
3. Briefly expalin why religion is important in any society and how this religion contributed
to the maintenance of Caribbean society.
Body:
1. Expalin how it came into exsistence in the Caribbean (origins). Eg. Hinduism came with
East Indians, Islam (first with enslaved Africans and later with East Indians), Roman
Catholicism with the Spaniards, Rastafarianism was birthed in the Caribbean a responce
to socio_economic and political deprivation etc...
2. Expalin what are the major theological doctrines/teachings (what its adherants believe).
eg Rastafarianism - Liberation theology, Hinduism - reincarnation, dharma etc....
3. Explain what are its major practices (ceremonies, rituals etc)e.g fasting, attending
meetings,
4. Show how its origins, its doctrines/teachings and its practices helped its adherants to cope
with life in the Caribbean. eg Rastafarianism - gave young unemployed males hope of
liberation and a better life etc...Hindu festivals re-inforced community values, fostered a
sense of belonging and identity during the period of indentureship and beyond etc....
Conclusion:
Religion is a powerful force in human society. In the Caribbean religon X has hlelped individuals
to cope with the stresses of everyday life, from the colonial era under the duress of slavery and
indentureship to independence and beyond. It has not been easy, however religion X has survived
and continue to influence the lives of its adherantrs directly and to influence the wider society
through its presence via, public holidays (if any), festivals and tradtions.

Quantitative methods

Fit between the matrifocal family and the

Caribbean society
June 2003. 3. Discuss the extent to which there is a fit between the matrifocal family and
the Caribbean society as a whole. (25marks)
Written by: Anya
According to Functionalism, the family is a universal social institution in society that takes care
of the needs of society. George. P. Murdock states that the family is a social group characterized
by common residence, economic co-operation and reproduction. It includes adults of both sexes,
at least two of whom who maintain a socially approved sexual relationship and one or more

children own or adopted of these sexually co-habiting adults. According to Murdock the nuclear
family is universal and performs four functions necessary for the survival of society. However
many theorists argue that the nuclear family in not universal and there are several different
family forms which fulfill the need of society. These include same-sex marriages, the Nayar in
Kerala, India and the single-parent household. In the Caribbean there is a prominent and distinct
family form; the matrilineal family of the African community. In this essay the prominence of the
matrifocal family and the reason for its prevalence as well as other family forms that exist in the
Caribbean will be discussed.
Simey contends that the hazards of the middle passage and plantation slavery have
deformed the African Caribbean community. He states that the West Indian family is a loosetime organization responsible for juvenile delinquency, poor nutrition and other social ills.
However M.G Smith (1962) asserts that the system of plantation slavery in the Caribbean
accounts largely for mother-headed households. When slaves were sold, family units were
usually broken however mother and her dependent children were usually kept together. This lead
to the male slave losing authority as head of the family as he now had to defer to the clout of the
white slave master who with his male white counterparts had sexual access to all female slaves.
In other words the matrifocal family is still present today because the model formed under
slavery seems to have persisted. This theorist also argues that the black male is absent or
marginal because of socio-economic issues such job insecurity, high under or unemployment,
migration and low social and racial status. Elliot Liebow through his research, Fallys Corner
concurs with this argument with the findings of his research which affirm that the black male
leaves his family because of low economic status. He possesses mainstream goals and values
and regards a conventional family life as ideal and strives to play the mainstream role of father
and breadwinner. He cannot provide for his family because of his lack of income he develops an
inferiority complex and so deserts his family.
Herskovits and Frazier (1947) maintains that female headed families in the Caribbean are a
result of cultural retention. In West Africa, the culture of polygyny was practiced because of
this the female had to fend for herself, she had to be economically independent and this meant
that the husband played a relatively marginal role in family life. They state that this practice has
continued up to today with common-law type relationships where a man has relationship with
woman A,B,C and D. This can be concurred with R.T Smiths (1973) research where he coined
the term visiting unions where a woman to support herself and her family would engage in
relationships with other men when the main of the house was absent. These findings are also
supported by Edith Clarkes (1957) study My Mother Who Fathered Me who stated that
marriage and wealth was positively correlated. In the poorest of the three towns that she studied
she found that marriage was least common as it could not be afforded so matrifocal families were
an ordinary part of life.
Oscar Lewis states that matrifocality is widespread because of the culture of poverty. The
poor have certain norms and values which keep them poor. One of these norms would be that of
single-parent households as such children inherit this custom as ordinary and typical and so
transmit this onto future generations. Though, it must be noted that even though the matrilineal
family is common in low income, black communities it is not rampant in other ethnic groups or
classes. Even though indentureship had devastating effects on the Indian family, the communities

has overcome the effects of sexual imbalance and barrack living and has been able to maintain
very strong kinship ties and as such the extended family is almost ubiquitous is this society.
According to Morton Klass, the East Indian family has retained the values, norms and
patterns and thereby the culture of their ancestors, where male dominance, arranged
marriage and caste details are stressed. However, according to Nevadonsky and Angrosino the
traditional East Indian family has reacted to the economic and political changes in wider society
and has adapted their values and lifestyles to suit. The modern Indian family was developed in
the Caribbean and satisfies socio-economic functions. Robert Bell states that the modern East
Indian family is becoming more inclined toward the nuclear family form seeing it as a sign of
more modernity, independence and economic advancement. In addition races like European
descendents may be more prone to follow the nuclear family type structure. In contemporary
times, the reasons for matrifocality may have changed slightly. Women have become more
educated and economically dependent and as such many have chose to parent children outside of
marriage as single parents.
In conclusion, one cannot say that there is a correspondence between the matrifocal family and
the Caribbean society as a whole. In terms of the working-class black community in the
Caribbean matrifocality does correspond to that way of life but when other races are studied it is
realized that female-headed households are not common in these areas. Therefore the matrifocal
family corresponds mainly with the black, working class community.
Graders Comment:
Strengths:
The student understood the question and answered it very well!
There was good use of theory and reference to empirical evidence relevant to the issue
under examination.
Weakness:
Student needed to state explicitly that though matrifocality emerged due to slavery, and
may have been influenced by African cultural retentions and economics, it became
characteristics of lower class blacks and not all social and ethnic classes.
Knowledge & Understanding 6/7
Interpretation and Analysis 7/8
Synthesis & Evaluation 6/9

Neo-Malthusian theory can be used as an effective policy for

population control in the Caribbean. Evaluate this assumption.
Written by: Brianna

The Neo-Malthusian theory was born out of a number of crises within the
world which resembled the predictions Malthus had made. Over the last four

decades it has been reported that there have been several economic
disasters which had raised concern with what Malthus had predicted. A great
deal of evidence has surfaced both economic and non-economic which
support what Malthus had proposed. This includes the fact that the United
Nations had declared 88 nations as being unable to provide enough food for
their inhabitants, 26 billion tonnes of top soil lost, six hundred thousand
square miles of forest being cut and the growth of the worlds population by
nearly 100 million per year. It was these factors which resulted in the revisitation of Malthus theory which had been written many years ago. It is
important to understand though that while Neo-Malthusians agree with
Malthus on the prediction of future collapse, they state that Malthus had
shortcomings especially with his failure to note the potential of birth control
to stabilize populations. Jordan et al also noted that they disagreed with
Malthus those factors such as war and famine being the key to population
control. It has often been questioned whether the Neo-Malthusian approach
can be used as an effective policy for population control in the Caribbean. It
should be noted that to an extent it would be effective as in the case of its
advice for the use of contraception as well as abortion as well as Planned
Parenthood. But in the case of the Eugenicist movement this would be
ineffective as this movement which has been seen as an ideal of the NeoMalthusian movement is formed on the basis of racial prejudice and should
not be used in any country.
Paul Ehrlich was a neo-Malthusian theorist who advocated for the use of
birth control methods as well as abortions. Ehrlichs idea of the use of birth
control may be applicable to a number of Caribbean countries. While
abortion may be used it may not be an effective policy as a number of
people in the population of Caribbean territories would be opposed to the
idea of abortion which they would deem as murder as well it is illegal to have
an abortion in most Caribbean countries with the exception of Cuba. Ehrlich
had predicted that food for the population had been outstripped by
population increase in two thirds of the developing countries between 1978
and 1988. He however did not agree with Malthus of the use of moral
restraint and thus proposed alternate ideas as mentioned above. Ehrlich idea
of abortion which forms part of the Neo-Malthusian approach may not be the
best option to attempt to effectively control population in the Caribbean.
According to the United Nations abortion in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago
is only allowed where it threatens the health of the mother or in attempt to
preserve mental and physical health. In Cuba which is perhaps according to
the UN reports in 2007 which allowed abortions, it is legal and has been this
way since 1965 to have an abortion. In fact a number of abortions are often
performed in Cuba as noted by statistics obtained from the UN the number of
abortions performed in Cuba in 2007 were 66 008. The point here is

abortions which is prescribed as a way of controlling the population by

Ehrlich may not be the most effective option for many Caribbean countries.
One reason being it is illegal in many Caribbean countries as in Trinidad and
Jamaica unless needed for medical reasons as well as in these countries
there would most likely be a strong united opposition towards abortions.
Thus if abortions are illegal within the Caribbean they cannot be used as a
population control method. Also if there is strong opposition there is no way
it can be used to control the population as there is perhaps the chance that
this method may not get the support of a number of Caribbean women.
Ehrlichs other suggestion was the use of other contraception. This
suggestion can be tied into the suggestion made by the other neoMalthusian theorists about Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood was
initiated in the United States in the early 20th century. Two of the most
famous advocates had been Margaret Sanger and Anne Besant. Their
propositions influenced a number of co-operations and foundations to offer
financial assistance to promote birth control for people in the third world in
countries in Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean where the
issue of population control was a problem that was thought that could never
be solved. However it should be noted that Planned Parenthood also
constitutes abortion which should not be considered as an alternative for the
Caribbean as mentioned. However the other forms of birth control which
Ehrlich and Planned Parenthood may have advocated which may include the
birth control pill or patch, the use of inter uterine device (IUD), condom, as
well as spermicide may be considered for use within the Caribbean. In fact it
should be noted that in Trinidad during the 1960s because there was a need
to control the population there were attempts to introduce a comprehensive
family planning which more than likely would have included a number of
these birth control methods with the exception of abortion and perhaps the
morning after pill. According to Norma Abdullah in Demographics of Trinidad
and Tobago, the programme was indeed successful and by the late 1970s
about 95% of the population was aware of contraceptive alternatives and
the average annual growth rate which had been 3% until 1960 which had
been considered detrimental was reduced to slightly above 1 %. Among
other factors such as the desire to have fewer children and the change in
family patterns the use of contraceptives which had become more readily
available had contributed to a great decline in the population growth rate of
Trinidad. Therefore as shown birth control methods as advocated by the NeoMalthusians indeed had a positive impact on the growth rate of Trinidad and
Tobago and can indeed lead to a reduction in population growth in a number
of other Caribbean countries. This is mainly due to the fact that methods
such as the birth control pill, patch or injection as well as the condom are
common to Caribbean society and as such Caribbean people are familiar with

these methods and even though some may hold religious views against its
use many do not hold it in the same context as seeing abortion is murder.
Neo-Malthusians also have as one of their ideas, the Eugenicist
movement. According to Jordan et al the Eugenicist movement which had
surfaced in the 19th century had been a key factor in population control. This
movement promoted the view of population control on the grounds of
racism. The basic belief which had been held by Eugenicists was that only
certain ethnic groups namely only the whites should be allowed to procreate
and undesirable races such as blacks, Indians and Chinese should be
prevented from natural increase through procreation so that overtime only
the most suitable gene the whites would populate the earth. This movement
would thus be incompatible with controlling population within the Caribbean
and should in fact be seen as being unsuitable for use in any part of the
world. It is morally wrong and unjustified to remove persons of various races
simply because they do not have the desired skin colour or the desired
physical genes. Thus the Eugenicists movement should never be considered
in attempting to control the population of the Caribbean which after the
effects of colonialism and slavery had a population made up of a white
minority and large numbers of Africans and Indians. It was noted that the
Latin American country of Argentina once employed the policy of selective
breeding where they removed all the blacks so that they would have a solely
white population. It was also noted in South Africa that during the apartheid
period a number of young African females would often go to clinics for
routine check ups and actually be sterilised so as to prevent the spread of
the black race. It should also be noted that citizens within the Caribbean
were seen as such second class citizens that Puerto Rican women became
guinea pigs for birth control and as a result many years later they suffered
with cervical cancer. This was thus an attempt at showing who were superior
human beings. The point is regardless of whether other countries have tried
selective breeding; it morally wrong and infringes upon the fundamental
human right of the individual.
Thus it can be said the Neo-Malthusian theory can be used to curb
population growth to a certain extent in the Caribbean but it cannot be used
in its entirety. The Neo-Malthusian theory of birth control as advocated by
Ehrlich and Sanger and Besant can be used with the exception of abortion
and the morning after pill. The Eugenicist movement however should
definitely not be tried in the Caribbean. Thus the Neo-Malthusian theory may
not be the best theory to be adapted for use as an effective policy control
within the Caribbean.

Graders Comment
This essay was well written, the student made good use of empirical
evidence to support theoretical arguments. Altogether, there was
good use of language, expression and evaluation of the issue under
discussion.
Knowledge & Understanding 8/10
Interpretation and understanding - 7/10
Synthesis & Evaluation 7/10
Total 22/30

To what extent can it be argued that Sir Arthur Lewis policy of Industrialisation by Invitation aided in the
development of the B.W.I
By Jennine Small.
According to Nassur Mustapha development is defined as, the progressive process of human, cultural, political,
economic and social change, which shapes peoples lives. The southern countries particularly the Caribbean have
been classified as developing countries, which are still somewhat dependent on the metropolis which once colonized
them. Sir Arthur Lewis in the immediate post- World War II period advocated industrialization of the British West
Indies, he adopted a policy called Industrialisation by Invitation. He felt that this was a step needed to be taken for
the British West Indies to develop. Sir Arthur Lewis policy aided in the development of the B.W.I but the policy itself
also hindered development as well as left out major aspects of development.
The Industrial Revolution was one of those historical events which drastically changed societies all over the
world. Despite the revolution having its roots in Europe , particularly Britain it then spread to places like the U.S.A
and later the Caribbean. Industrialization became the mechanism used for a society to make the transition from a
traditional, labour intensive economy based on agriculture (agrarian) to a more capital- intensive economy based on
manufacturing by machines , specialized labour and Industrial factories. Sir Arthur Lewis recognized the importance
of Industrialisation but realized that the British West Indies could not do it on their own, they would need financial aid,
in the form of investments which could stimulate Industrialisation.
After Lewis studied the system known as Operation Bootstrap (policy of deliberately inviting foreign direct
investors) in Puerto Rico, he set out to adopt and implement similar in the British West Indies. The economies of the
British Caribbean were mainly agricultural and there was a need to stimulate industrial growth and trade in
manufactured goods, to diversify the economic base, since these economies were mainly monocrop economies.
This term not only refers to the dependence on sugar and bananas, it also characterizes the dependence on tourism
or the oil industry. Lewis therefore proposed the strategy to invite foreign investment as a way to stimulate growth, not
only in industry but also agriculture, and therefore to reduce the dependency on the export sector. He reasoned that
the British West Indies had a great abundance of unskilled labour in agriculture and amongst the unemployed. These
countries did not have much capital. Thus multinational corporations (MNCs) with millions of dollars at their disposal
were to be invited to the British West Indies where they could earn huge profits by employing cheap surplus labour

from agriculture. They would also benefit from tax holidays for the first five or ten years of their operations, and other
concessions such as subsidies. In other words incentives would be offered to encourage these corporations to
invest .
Caribbean governments popularly adopted this policy in the 1960s. Several foreign based companies that
are established today in the Caribbean are the result of Sir Lewis policy. This is most apparent in the tourist industry
many foreigners have invested in hotels which employ the majority of people.In Antigua for example, 50% of the
population is employed in the tourism industry. In addition to this, infrastructure such as roads and transportation has
been developed by governments to complement these businesses. Foreign investors have introduced the latest
technologies and influenced the improvement of public services.
On the contrary, the policy is very much economically based , its aim is for countries to achieve economic
growth. However development also includes other aspects, there is no indication on how foreign investers may
positively impact the quality of life , welfare or education. Therefore this policy cannot be seen as aiding development
in the British West Indies as a whole , as the policy was based primarily on the stimulation of economic growth. In
addition, most of the money earned by these investors have been repatriated to their home countries thus money is
not invested in the economy, this is a grave issue with serious implications for the tourism industry.
The policy eventually failed in the British West Indies, mainly because the Caribbean governments invited the
MNCs but did not control them. When the initial period of the tax-free holidays were up they 'closed up shop' and
moved on. They were mainly capital-intensive industries, virtually no provisions were made for training citizens to
organize and run similar plants, such as the assembly of motor vehicles and small appliances. Hence no sustainable
development.
Neo-marxists who came up with the dependency theory, also initially developed their theory in Latin America.
Andre Gunder Frank and Samir Amin were the two theorists associated with this school of thought . Both argued
that the third world countries are classified as the Peripheries and the Western/ Industrialised capitalist countries are
the core. The former being largely dependent on the latter. The development of the core countries caused the
underdevelopment of the periphery since economic surplus was transferred from the latter to the former for
expansion purposes. These sociologists recommended that the peripheries need to break the link between them and
the core in order to be self- sufficient and independent. Therefore the MNCs can be seen as detrimental according to
this perspective dependence is an undesired state and situation . It only causes, injustice, unfairness and
exploitation. Following from the dependency theory, we can assert that foreign companies therefore would not be
aiding development but hindering it for their metropolis benefit. They would encourage the mindset of preference for
foreign goods thus maintaining dependence.
It can be seen that the Industrialisation by Invitiation policy is indeed a controversial one when considering
whether it has aided development in the Caribbean. There is no doubt that MNCs are an important means to
economic development. However in order for a country to develop, the country must have control of its own
businesses and resources, move away from traditional economic models that make them dependent on foreigners
and also perpetuate the legacy of colonialism in how the Caribbean economy is structured.
Grade Profile
Knowledge & Understanding - 7/10
Interpretation & Analysis - 7 /10
Synthesis & Evaluation 7/10

The student demonstrates a very good understanding of the subject matter under examination.
Interpreted and evaluated the question well.
Student should have named some Companies or a company that emerged as a result of IbyI in their territory and
explain the advantages and disadvantges of the policy using the 'live' example as the base.
Altogether however this was a good essay.
A few grammatical errors were noted.
Grader's Comments:
This was a fair essay. The writer attempted to show how mainstream theory may or may not be applicable to
Caribbean social reality in terms of explaining crime.
K&U - 7/10
I&A - 7/10
S&E -7/10
Can the Conventional Theories of Crime and Deviance Fully Explain the Situation in the Caribbean?
Crime is an act in violation of the criminal law and subject to official punishment, meaning formal negative sanction by
the state. Deviance is an act which strays away from the norms and expectation of a particular society. It is a term
that is relative TO TIME, PLACE and PERSON and it can only be defined in relation to a particular standard.
Therefore deviance is culturally and socially determined. Many Caribbean theorists in attempting to explain crime and
deviance in a Caribbean context use European theorists such as Walter Millar and Albert Cohen. These Caribbean
theorists believe their research is suitable in describing reasons for Caribbean crime.
On the other hand several theorists argue that there is a need for a Caribbean criminology. Theorists like Ken Pryce
state that criminology is needed that is based of the distinctiveness of the region, attempts to illuminates the
causation of crime and deviances within the Caribbean people historical and contemporary experience and that
would examine the Caribbean cultural heritage of black working-class styles of protest from slavery to neocolonialism. The essay will discuss the suitability and ability of European theories to scrutinize crime in a Caribbean
society.
Ken Pryce and Figuera state that rape in Trinidad and Tobago is mainly a lower class phenomenon. Violence is
prevalent to the experience of the underprivileged and the oppressed. Violence helps these people to reassert their
dignity. Lower-class men are exposed to goals and materialism which are usually denied to them but constantly
advertised in the media. As a result they feel deprived and frustrated and rape women in an attempt to gain a
reputation and personal status. Walter Miller agrees stating that crime can be explained through a distinctive lower
class, this lower class has a unique set of norms and values that encourage them to break the law. Within this lower
class subculture there are a number of focal concerns such as fate, autonomy, toughness, excitement, smartness
and trouble which form the base of the lower class males offenses.

Oscar Lewis agrees with his theory, The Culture of Poverty stating that the lower-class because of their particular
sub-culture is pre-disposed to a number of factors which make crime and inevitability and they transmit this
subculture to their children. However it is dangerous to adopt metropolitan cultural concepts wholesale as they are
sometimes based on an outdated United States of America and Britain. The conditions in these countries are very
different to the conditions in the Caribbean. These models explain crime in a white, mostly homogenous society
whereas the Caribbean exists in a mostly plural, heterogeneous one. In conformity with Pryce and Figuera is
Hyacinth Ellis, she states that Jamaicas history has been one of violence, racism, slavery, colonialism and low self
esteem. These factors have created a sub culture of violence that applauds the infliction of violent behaviour since
violence brings ego, self-esteen and realistic socio-economic gains that the lower-class was previously denied.
In agreement are Albert Cohen and Richard Cloward and Lloyd Ohlin who come closer to outlining a view of
delinquency which is applicable to the Caribbean. Cohen states that lower class individuals adhere to mainstream
goals but due largely to education failure and the resulting dead-end jobs; they have little opportunity to achieve
these goals. As a result working class boys suffer from status frustration; they are discouraged and dissatisfied with
their low status in society. Consequently they reject the success goals of mainstream culture and replace it with an
alternative set of norms and values through which they commit crime. Cloward and Ohlin concur stating that deviant
behaviour results from an increased access to illegitimate opportunity structures to achieve success.
These theories, according to Pryce are more suitable because they discussed the experience of delinquent
subcultures in terms of the class situation with reference to their restrictive life chances and the frustrations upon their
inability to measure up to their aspirations. However they still have limited theoretical values in the Caribbean
because the style of protest of lower-class youth cannot be adequately explained without taking into account the
Caribbean experience of racism and neo-colonialism. Maureen Cain disagrees with Pryce and Figuera, she states
that high levels of crime are also found in Europe where there is no colonization. She states that crime and deviance
is cross-cultural and trans-national.
The conventional viewpoint is that developing countries is a product of social change and modernization but
according to Pryce third world countries face crime because it is a symptom of a particular type of development
based on exploitation and development of underdevelopment. Also profits from the first world tend to be circulated
among the upper and middle classes leaving the lower-class no other choice but to turn toward pimping, hustling
prostitution and violence because of unemployment. He states that a Caribbean criminology that examines the reality
of crime in the context of the Caribbean history of capitalist oppression and exploitation is best.
On the contrary Carl Stone argues that pseudo-historical explanations do not allow us to understand the new patterns
of social behaviour. Poverty cannot explain violence as it existed before slavery but crime took more than one century
after slavery to manifest itself in such proportions. According to Carl Stone modernization and social change Is the
cause of violent criminal behaviour.
In conclusion, the Caribbean may very well be better equipped with criminology of its own. It is a unique region and
should not be explained by theories based on evidence that was not seen to have existed in the Caribbean district.

Grader's Comments:
This was a good essay. Generally well written, with satisfactory use of theory to support your agruments in support of
the assertion - "The poor will always be with us".
Grade:
Knowledge & Understanding - 8/10
Interpretation & Analysis - 7/10
Synthesis & Evaluation - 7/10
The Poor Will Always Be With Us. Discuss.
Poverty, according to United Nations Development Program is defined as a human condition characterized by the
sustained chronic deprivation of resources, capabilities, choices, security and power necessary for the enjoyment of
the adequate standard of living and other civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights. Some theorists state that
the poor are in their current position because they do not have the necessary funds to save and if given the
opportunity can remove themselves from their destitution. On the other hand some thinkers assert that the poor exists
because of the nature of society and the system of poverty will continue because its presence benefits society in
some way or the other. In this essay the rationale supporting the statement of the perpetuation of poverty will be
discussed.
According to Herbert Gans the poor perform certain functions that are necessary for societys survival. The lowerclass performs the physically dirty, dangerous and menial jobs for a low wage because they have no other option.
Poverty also generates employment for occupations that serve the poor, like prison and welfare officers. Additionally
the reality of poverty guarantees the status of those who are not poor on the social hierarchy.
As indicated by Marxism, capitalism as a mode of production ensures and produces poverty by keeping wages low in
order to maximize profits. Furthermore the huge quantity of lower-class workers ensure that wage levels remain low
though competition. Low wages help to reduce the wage demand of work as any wage above the minimum rate gives
the earner a bogus sense of security and keeps them in a state of false-class conscious. They do not feel the need to
try to bargain for higher wages but still cannot afford basic amenities. Since most of the Caribbean exists in such a
system, the lower class feels the burden of such.
In industrialized societies where the production process is automated, there has been an increased demand for
skilled workers. The unemployed and underemployed of the working class usually do meet this criteria and so remain
in a state of poverty.
Poverty can also be perpetuated via international channels. Organizations like the International Monetary Fund and
World Trade Organization can induce destitution via the loans they provide. In keeping with their policy of structural
adjustment programs, governments must reduce spending and consequently shrink expenditure on social services.
The current middle-class must now spend their savings on facilities that they would have previously received free-ofcharge.
Most Caribbean countries depend heavily on tourism and are therefore victim to seasonal poverty. During a particular
time frame where the influx of tourists is at its peak this group of people earn sufficient subsistence but once that

period is over they are now unemployed. According to C.Y.Thomas this group varies from season to season and is a
sign of the ups and downs of the economy.
As maintained by Oscar Lewis the poor have a unique value system and they remain in poverty because of how they
deal with the issues of such a life. The mentality that exists in the subculture is then passed down to subsequent
generations. The poor have little ability to delay gratification and have a sense of fatalism; they do not see hard work
and determination as a technique out of the grips of poverty. Walter Miller stated that one of the focal concerns of the
lower-class was their tendency to depict the future as a consequence of fate and not of factors under their control.
Additionally on a family level there are a high number of female-headed households resulting from free union
marriages and high rates of divorce and on a community level there is a lack of cohesiveness and solidarity.
Another factor that generates the perpetuation of poverty in the Caribbean is its high incidence of matrifocality.
Women are more likely to have a greater number of dependents, experience wage discrimination and high
unemployment and time restrictions due to child-rearing activities. In addition poor women are also challenged with
predicaments such as teenage pregnancy, domestic violence and high fertility rates.
The youth in the Caribbean are also at risk, particularly males. They leave school with few skills and experience
increased barriers to employment such as a lack of access to the job market. For those that are employed they are in
danger of being continuously employed in training programs where they only receive a marginal stipend. Also in
some Caribbean nations the economy has failed to produce enough jobs in preferred areas.
In terms of geographical explanations, the Caribbean lies on the convergence of two plates which makes us
susceptible to natural disasters such as earthquakes and volcanoes. In addition the reality of being tropical islands
makes the Caribbean vulnerable to hurricanes. Any one of these tragedies can set to retard a nations development
by hundreds of years and may leave needy, disadvantaged and deprived citizens.
In addition, according to George Beckford the plantation system which exists in the Caribbean as a type of economy
and social organization that creates persistent employment, relatively low levels of income and highly unequal
distribution of resources.
There exist in society several factors that encourages the perpetuation of poverty whether it is of a functional,
economic or cultural reason. In some instances the factors that generate poverty can easily be terminated but
because it may disrupt the social order of present society, the powers that be see no reason to change the situation.
In short poverty is a phenomenon that will be maintained until the end of time.
Module 1 - Population Studies
1. Discuss the Malthusian theory of population with respect to Caribbean demographic changes.
2. A large working class ensure a reserve army of labour. Discuss the relvance of this assumption with reference to
any named Caribbean society.

3. Caribbean societies are currently in stage five of the demographic transition according to Jamaican demographer
George Roberts. Evaluate the pros and cons of Roberts Caribbean demographic transition theory.
4. "The Caribbean is characterised by a dual sex labour market". Critically examine this statement with reference to
Caribbean territories.
5. The Caribbean region has been noted to be an area of high levels of migration. With reference
to One or Several Caribbean territories, discuss this view.
6. Caribbean development has been hindered by cultural resistance. With reference to any named Caribbean territory
highlight the merits and de-merits of this assertion.
7. Can fertility control measures contribute to enhanced socio-economic development in Caribbean territories?
8. Caribbean political leaders such as Sir Grantley Adams (Barbados), Sir Norman Manley (Jamaica)and Dr. Eric
Williams(Trinidad) believed in the principle of enhancing Human Capital. Assess the advantages and disadvantages
of the Human Captial theory in its application to Caribbean societies.
9. Can the age-sex composition of a population influence its potential for development?
10. Neo-Malthusian theory can be used as an effective policy for population control in the Caribbean. Evaluate this
assumption.
11. Critically assess the demographic perspectives of Karl Marx and Thomas Malthus with respect to population
growth.
12. With reference to at least ONE society, outline and assess ONE of the following population theories:
a. Malthusianism
b. Marx's theory of population
c. The Demographic Transition theory
13. What is the demographic perspective?

Module 2 - Social Order, Social Control & Deviance

1. Deviance is functional for Caribbean societies. Discuss this assumption with reference to any Named Caribbean
territory.
2. Using Merton's Strain Theory, assess the view that increased pressure for individuals to achieve in Caribbean
societies contributes to the increasing growth of crime and deviance, in these territories.

3. Caribbean working-class males are more likely to be arrested, tried and imprisoned, as opposed to males from the
higher status groups. Evaluate this claim.
4. Criminal behaviour is NOT innate, it is learned! Critically evaluate this statement.
5. With refence to Travis Hirschi's social control theory, discuss the factors that contributes to deviant behavior. Make
reference to Caribbean cases whereever possible.
6. In the Caribbean there is a subculture of delinquency. With reference to any named Caribbean territory, present
arguemnts for and against this assumption.
7. "The illegitimate opportunity structure is more readily available as an option for achievement in comparison to the
legitimate opportunity structure in the Caribbean". Using any ONE named Caribbean state/territory, discuss the
validity of this statement.
8. To what extent do informal controls deter an individual from engaging in deviant acts?
10. In the Caribbean, imprisonment as a form of punishment has failed to change the individual. Thus other
alternative measures should be introduced to curtail the rising incidence of crime. Evaluate this statement citing
relevant sociological theories to support your arguments.
11. "Crime is functional for society"! Evaluate this claim.
12. "The lack of access to the 'legitimate opportunity structure' is the major contributing factor to crime and deviance
in modern capitalist societies". Discuss.
13. Assess the notion that there is a strong correlation between gender and crininality!
14. Does ethnicity predispose an individual towards criminality? Discuss.

Module 3 - Social Development & Poverty

1. Can Rostow's economic perspective be adequately applied to the Caribbean in explaining how these societies
developed?
2. Assess Immanuel Wallerstien's dependency theory and its applicability the Caribbean.
3.To what extent can it be argued that Sir Arthur Lewis policy of Industrialization by Invitation aided in the
development of the British West Indies?
4. "Urbanization contributes to the increasing productivity and economic growth, which leads to improved quality of
life for all members of society". Using the appropriate sociological theories discuss the advantages and
disadvantages of urbanization.

5. Using ONE named Carribean territory, assess the extent to which Caribbean Tourism has aided in the
development of Caribbean states.
6. Is it true to state that Poverty in the Caribbean is the result of the failure of governments to allocate resources
equitably?
7. Assess the effectiveness of poverty alleviation strategies in any ONE named Caribbean territory.
8. To what extent are women and the elderly more vulnerable to poverty in the Caribbean than other social groups?
9. With reference to the unilinear theory of development discuss its suitability to expalining the development of
Caribbean territories.
10. Neo-Marxist dependency theories are best suited to explaining the process of underdevelopment in Caribbean
territories. Discuss.