1. Marxism and the Caribbean
The question is: Is Marxism appropriate for a study of the Caribbean?
We know well that Caribbean sociologists have used the conflict perspective for a study of the Caribbean and this have been
manifested in numerous sociological literatures in the region. M.G. Smith, for example, is a conflict theorist, who has applied the
idea of conflict in his study of race and colou
r groups in the Caribbean region. Numerous arguments may be presented to support the idea that Marxism or the conflict
perspective is ideal for the Caribbean:
(i) The Caribbean region has a history of conflict. Such conflicts have been shaped through our experiences with colonization,
slavery, and Indentureship. (ii) Numerous groups within the Caribbean region do not fit with the standards of society and are forced
to create their own ways of life. This means that the conflict perspective may be applied to a study of these groups. (iii) There is
evidence that the working class in the Caribbean are exploited by those who own the means of production. (iv) The Caribbean has
quite a profound image of class struggles and has experience severalsocialchanges that saw one class rising to challenge the
other. (v) Numerous facets of Caribbean society are influenced deeply by economic factors.
However, it must be noted that the conflict perspective is not always appropriate for a study of the Caribbean society. Why is this
so?
(i) The conflict perspective sees the economy as the forefront of society. It is evident that the Caribbean society is not shaped
entirely by economic forces, but by our religions, educational system and more importantly, our history. (ii) There is not much false-
consciousness within Caribbean society. There is evidence, based on the music and writings of the region, that the working class
understands that they are sometimes exploited. (iii) There is much social order within contemporary Caribbean society. With
increase legislation and globalization, conflicts such as gender inequalities and race inequalities, which are ideal conflicts in the
Caribbean, are almost unseen. (iv) It is evident that the Caribbean society has being seeing a growing middle class. (v) Marxists
have focused mainly on economic inequalities. Though economic inequality is evident in Caribbean society, it is evident that other
forms of conflicts such as sexualinequality, gender inequality, race inequality and so on cannot be fully explained by the Marxists
perspective.