Plantation Society TOWARD A GENERAL THEORY OF CARIBBEAN SOCIETY GEORGE L. BECKFORD Barrow, Christine. Reddock, Rhoda. Caribbean Sociology: Introductory Readings. Ian Randle Publishers Ltd. Jamaica (2001)

Key Terms Social Stratification – refers to a system by which a society ranks categories of people in a hierarchy. Caste – the system of dividing society into hereditary classes. Metropole – the parent state of a colony. Colonization – the process by which a group of persons are institutionalized away from others. Plural Society - a society composed of different ethnic groups or cultural traditions, or in the political structure of which ethnic or cultural differences are reflected. Cultural Pluralism - is a term used when smaller groups within a larger society maintain their unique cultural identities, and their values and practices are accepted by the wider culture provided they are consistent with the laws and values of the wider society.

Plantation Society – A Definition It is “a unit of agricultural production with a specific type of economic organization characterized by a large resident labour force of unskilled workers who are directed by a small supervisory staff.” (Beckford, 2001) It was the chief instrument of European colonization and exploitation in the Caribbean.

Characteristics of a Plantation Society Spans a relatively large area. Involves numerous unskilled workers. The decision making is highly centralized. Has an authoritarian style of management. Workers are separated from the decision makers by social and cultural differences. Has a rigid pattern of social stratification based on a caste system that separates the owners (European whites) from the workers (Africans or East Indians). Social relations are determined by the economic organization that governs production. Features cultural plurality in the task of production.

Social Organization and Structure The society as a whole was rigidly stratified by race and colour which determined an individual’s occupational status on the plantation (with no option of social mobility). On the plantation, the planter (white owner) was lord and master and his mansion was the centre of social life for everyone in the community. From here, all decisions that affected the lives of the blacks were made. The white subculture was reinforced by the inclusion of some blacks. However, the existence of the caste system prevents their total acceptance by the dominant white class.

Political Organization and Power Distribution The plantation owner or manager exercised authoritarian rule and decision making power over production within the territory, and also all aspects of life of those in the community. The only unifying element within plantation community is the authority of the planter.

Plantation Society Today? West Indian government administrations comprise black people (and Indians) who essentially exercise authority and control on behalf of their financial backers (the white planter, commercial and industrial classes) that remain in the background of political activity. Real political and legislative power still resides with those concentrated members of society who maintain economic and social power. “The distribution of real political power is identical to the pattern of distribution of economic and social power.” (Beckford, 2001) Plantation societies today maintain the traditional features of stratification by colour and race as well a degree of social integration. “All black people regard the white European culture as superior and… they all aspire to it.” (Beckford, 2001) Beckford posits that long after slavery and emancipation, Caribbean society continues to be modelled along the lines of the plantation.

Summary Plantation society has its own special type of social and political organization that sets it apart from other kinds of societies in the world. Plantation society is a plural society. That is, it consists of difference racial and cultural groups who are brought together only in the realm of economic activity. The economic welfare of the two groups depends on each other and therefore share a mutually dependent economic relationship. The ‘crop’ that binds the different groups together is destined for sale in metropolitan markets. The elements of social integration in plantation society are found in three main areas: economic production, achievement motivation, and nationalism. The result of all these factors leads to underdevelopment.