Matrifocality In The Caribbean

Some sociologists argue that the matri central family is typical of Caribbean societies. To what extent do you reinforcer their argument?
In your answer, you should refer to a named Caribbean society.

According to Functionalism, the family is a universal social institution in society that takes portion out of the needs of society. George. P. Murdock states that the family is a social group characterized by everyday residence, economic co-operation and reproduction. It includes adults of both sexes, at least two of whom who wield a socially approved sexual relationship and iodin or more children own or adopted of these sexually co-habiting adults.
According to Murdock the nuclear family is universal. However many theorists argue that the nuclear family is not universal and there are several distinguishable family forms which fulfill the need of society. These include same-sex marriages and the single-parent household. The argument made by some sociologists that the matrifocal family is typical of Caribbean societies is correct with respect to some societies such as Jamaica, Antigua, Barbados and Grenada. Matrifocality refers to a family which has a female as the focal point of the family thus establishing her as the leader. If a male is involved, his section is marginal.



This essay looks at some of the characteristics of this structure and how the matrifocal and male marginality emerged from issues of power, sexuality, sexual practice roles and economic circumstances.
Herskovits (1964) and Frazier (1939) argued that African retentions influenced the Caribbean family. This was a result of the retention of heathenish practices from Africa namely polygamy, where one man had several women and often issue from each of them. 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 unremarkably broken, however mother and her dependent children were usually kept together. This lead to the...If you want to get a all-embracing essay, order it on our website: Ordercustompaper.com



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