Caribbean Essay
The diverse history of the Caribbean region has dated as far as the 15th century and share similar historical experiences which has led to Contemporary Caribbean manifestations. The impact of colonialism and slavery which manifests in Patriarchy and Matrifocality can still be seen based on the mentality of the Caribbean people on how they were socialized. While men usually benefit from patriarchy such as inheriting political leadership among others, some men suffer from the demands of this system and feel pressured of upholding “manhood”. Matrifocality have been developed in the Caribbean as a consequence of enslavement by European colonizers which enforced that slaves were prohibited to marry and their children were owned by the slave masters. …show more content…
However, based on the limited text available, it has been identified that the role of males in the Caribbean has been passed on from the historical period of Caribbean colonization and slavery. Many African males were captured and transferred to the Caribbean region. In addition, European colonizers, of which were mostly males were also a part of the process of developing African male’s roles and responsibilities in the new world. Though the African males had inclined characteristics of “hunters and gatherers” which existed amongst African communities prior to the period of enslavement, many resisted being re-socialized to the customs and traits of the Europeans. However, in contemporary Caribbean, Chevannes (2001) indicates as cited by that based on experiential knowledge, it is evident that large numbers of adolescent males are in trouble. Practically, every important social indicator of development such as education among others indicates an unequal number of adolescent males facing hardship and failure. Chevannes continues to elaborate that males are under- represented in categories of progression and wellbeing while consistently being over-represented in ideologies of crisis and despondency. Errol Miller, who coined the term ‘male marginalization' agreed in his work, “Men at Risk” by …show more content…
Chevannes (1999)
In essence, Chevannes and Miller coincides that a man is not man unless he can exercise his masculinity without being “emasculated”. Therefore, masculinity is very important to Caribbean males which is socially constructed by the society. Areas of advancement such as Education, it can be seen where Caribbean males fall short because of fear of going against societal norms which would classify them as a “sissy”.
“School is girl stuff!” This declaration by an eight-year old inner-city boy… reveals the association built up in the minds of many boys. (Chevannes
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