The study of current social, economic, and political issues affecting the Caribbean region including poverty, inequality, crime, corruption, and environmental concerns.
Slavery: The history of slavery and its impact on Caribbean society, including the transatlantic slave trade, conditions on plantations, resistance and rebellion, and the legacy of slavery.
Colonialism: The impact of European colonization on the Caribbean, including the imposition of economic systems such as plantation agriculture, cultural and linguistic changes, and the struggle for independence.
Race and Ethnicity: The various ethnic and racial groups present in the Caribbean, including African, Indian, European, and indigenous peoples, and the social and political implications of their interactions.
Gender and Sexuality: The roles of gender and sexuality in Caribbean society, including the experiences of LGBTQ individuals and the intersection between gender, race, and class.
Politics and Governance: The political and governmental systems in the Caribbean, including different forms of government and political parties, as well as issues surrounding corruption, democracy, and human rights.
Education: The state of education in the Caribbean, including access to schools and quality of education, as well as issues surrounding language and cultural differences in education.
Health and Healthcare: The health challenges facing the Caribbean, such as communicable and non-communicable diseases, and the availability and accessibility of healthcare services.
Environment: The environmental challenges facing the Caribbean, such as climate change, deforestation, and natural disasters, and their impact on the region's economy and society.
Economic Development: The various economic systems used in the Caribbean, including tourism, agricultural production, and resource extraction, and the challenges faced in terms of growth and economic inequality.
Diaspora: The experiences of Caribbean people living outside of the region, including issues surrounding identity, cultural preservation, and the impact of the diaspora on Caribbean society.
Poverty: Poverty is a significant social issue in many Caribbean nations. High rates of unemployment and low wages contribute to economic inequality, which can trap people in poverty and make it difficult to escape. This issue affects more vulnerable populations, such as women, children, and the elderly.
Crime and Violence: There are high levels of crime and violence in the Caribbean, particularly in areas with poverty and inequality. Gangs, drug trafficking, and domestic violence are common issues. Crime is associated with significant economic and social costs and affects the quality of life of citizens.
Education: Education is a significant social issue in the Caribbean, with issues ranging from insufficient funding to inadequate resources, such as lack of textbooks and inadequate staffing. The quality of education varies from country to country, and there are often barriers to access for children from low-income families.
Health and Healthcare: Healthcare access is a crucial social issue in the Caribbean, with high rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Inadequate health care funding, lack of access to basic preventative care, and inadequate distribution of resources contribute to health disparities throughout the region.
Environment and Climate Change: The Caribbean and its population are also impacted by environmental issues such as sea level rise, ocean acidification, deforestation, and pollution, which pose significant challenges for the region's development prospects. Climate change has an impact on the economy, ecosystem, and social factors of the Caribbean.
Gender-Based Violence: Gender-based violence is a social issue affecting mostly women in the Caribbean. Inequities in gender norms, lack of services for victims, and weak legislation and policies contribute to the proliferation of such violence throughout the region.
Corruption: Corruption is a major social issue in the Caribbean, with many instances of corruption reported throughout the region. Corruption can undermine political and social stability, affect economic growth and development, and lead to a lack of trust in public institutions and the rule of law.
Discrimination: Discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, and sexual orientation is pervasive in the Caribbean. This kind of discrimination affects the individual's access to education, employment, health care, and overall limits their opportunities.
Migration: International migration is a significant social issue in the Caribbean; poor economic conditions, high unemployment rates, and natural disasters have forced many to seek opportunities elsewhere. This creates challenges among the families of migrants and refugee forced to face social discrimination and poorer living conditions, including insufficient access to healthcare and education.