Family in the Caribbean

1. Family in the Caribbean Uniqueness and Diversity - reflecting �different socioeconomic pressures as well as multi-ethnic value systems� (McKenzie, 1993)

2. Lloyd Braithwaite on Family Systems (1957) Family systems developed based on following: values derived partly from own cultural heritages; adaptations to difficult & insecure socioeconomic conditions an eye to upper-class models and demands

3. Introduction M.G. Smith (1982) characterized the W.I family as �a domestic system which does not confine relations within an easily defined or bounded household� Family types largely due to racial diversity, ethnicity, social class, African cultural retention, legacy of Plantation slavery, culture of poverty, according to many theorists (Herskovits, Lewis, Clarke, Smith) More contemporary influences have been shifting (changing) values; economic independence particularly of women, migration

4. Definition of Family �A group of related kin, linked by blood relationships and/or by marriage (or marriage-like) relationships or by adoption, usually occupying a common household and usually characterized by relations of economic cooperation and solidarity� (McKenzie 1993, adapted from Bredemeier and Stephenson 1962)

5. Other Definitions M&P � A social institution that unites individuals into cooperate groups that oversee the bearing and raising of children�built on kinship, a social bond, based on blood, marriage or adoption, joins individuals into families. Merle Hodge, Elsa Leo-Rhynie � family includes a network of individuals from persons up the road to the aunt in foreign

6. Introduction cont�d. Emphasis on nuclear family types among upper and middle income groups These groups also create and encourage the conditions within which alternative family types emerge (McKenzie 1993) Some men have formed multiple relationships, sometimes with low income women who see these as opportunities; women too have engaged in similar practice

7. Unique and Different? Largely specific to Afro-Caribbean family types, particularly of lower classes (- Indo, Chinese, White, middle & upper class Blacks tend to depict the nuclear ideal or extended family) Types do not conform to George Peter Murdock�s Nuclear family ideal - Mother and Father sharing common residence, cooperating economically, sexually cohabiting, having child(ren) Nuclear ideal a typically Structural Functionalist view

8. Afro-Caribbean Family Types Nuclear Common Law (Consensual union) Visiting - matrifocal, female-headed, single parent (Jamaica 2000 - 42.5% H/Hs headed by females Extended Grandmother-headed Sibling Other variations

9. Family Functions Socialization Reproduction Economic production Stabilization of adult personalities Societal stability and survival

10. Life-Cycle of Afro-Caribbean Family In the entire C�bean young mothers (under 25) usually found in non-residential unions. Except for East Indians and Chinese, marriage is negligible This situation usually progresses to residential unions, and eventually marriage as partners get older, become more religious, acquiring assets

11. Contemporary Changes Mostly evident among middle-class and economically independent women is the growing tendency to remain in visiting relationships but bear at least one child. According to Roberts & Sinclair (1978), such women prefer this status as it affords them more exclusive control over domestic labour that would be demanded by a resident male partner

12. Matrifocality Family structures in which males avoided their responsibilities as fathers and conjugal partners. Women were overburdened and cannot manage to socialize children and ensure economic support for household. Reasons are linked to the plantation slavery, poverty, community organization and contemporary socio-economic circumstances especially the inability of males to acquire the occupational status and income necessary to fulfill roles (Barrow, 2006).