s
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Lucy Carman
Macmillan Education
The Campus, 4 Crinan Street, London, N1 9XW
A division of Macmillan Publishers Limited
Companies and representatives throughout the world
ISBN 978-1-380-00706-3 AER
Text © Lucy Carman 2016
Design and illustration © Macmillan Publishers Limited 2016
The author has asserted her right to be identified as the author of this work in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and
Patents Act 1988.
First published 2016
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or
by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the
publishers.
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Page make-up by Sparks – www.sparkspublishing.com
Illustrated by Oxford Designers & Illustrators
Cover design and illustration by Clare Webber
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of such third party websites. Please use care when accessing them.
Contents
Introduction
How to Use This Book
Revision and Exam Tips
4
5
Section A Individual, Family and Society
Unit 1 The Family
Unit 2 Social Groups and Institutions
Unit 3 Government
Test Questions for Section A
6
15
20
31
Section B Sustainable Development and Use of Resources
Unit 1 Development and Use of Resources
Unit 2 Regional Integration
Test Questions for Section B
32
44
58
Section C Options
Unit 1 Communication
Test Questions for Section C1
Unit 2 Consumer Affairs
Test Questions for Section C2
Unit 3 Tourism
Test Questions for Section C3
59
72
73
85
86
101
Paper 1 Practice Questions
103
Paper 2 Practice Questions
104
Answers to Test Yourself Questions
105
Glossary
110
Introduction
Written by experienced teachers and authors, Macmillan Education’s CSEC® Revision Guides provide
a clear route to exam success. Inside this book you’ll find complete, concise revision notes on all key
syllabus topics, in addition to practical advice on how to approach your revision and tackle the exams
themselves, helping you to prepare effectively for your examinations.
Having reviewed the key points of each topic, you can refresh your knowledge and build your
confidence with in-text practice questions, before moving on to sample practice exam papers at the end
of the book. Questions are written in CXC examination style so that you will become familiar with exam
wording and know exactly how to achieve your best possible grades.
Answers to questions are available online at www.macmillan-caribbean.com.
How to Use This Book
Self Check
Tick the box that shows how confident you feel
Yes
Maybe
Each section starts with a
concept map showing key topics
and, crucially, how they link together.
Does X cause Y? Does X run in tandem
with Y? Does X allow Y to happen?
No
Each section begins with a checklist so
you can rate your confidence in each topic
and prioritise your revision effectively.
At the end of each section you
will have the opportunity to fill in
your own blank concept map to
check your understanding. It will
also provide a useful summary for
last‑minute self‑testing.
Reviewed
Test Yourself with these quick fire questions
to monitor your progress.
Revised
Mastered
You’ll find these checkboxes for each topic so
you can track your learning and be confident
you’ve covered everything thoroughly. Review
the topic and return to your Student’s Book if
there’s anything you don’t understand, then
come back and revise the topic in this revision
guide – and tick ‘Mastered’ when all of your
answers were correct!
Revision Tips provide you with interesting
ways to make sure you retain all of this
information.
Whenever you find a keyword highlighted
like this, you can find out its meaning in the
glossary at the back of the book.
Remember boxes
contain handy nuggets of key information.
If you don’t understand these,
go back to your Student’s Book
and refresh the topic.
Revision and Exam Tips
The content in this revision guide has been carefully written to make sure you have all of the key
information needed for CSEC success at your fingertips. It has already been broken down for you into
manageable chunks, based on the official CXC syllabus and exam structure.
Here are some tips to help you get the best out of this material:
■■
■■
■■
■■
■■
■■
■■
■■
■■
Start preparing ahead of the exams so you can give yourself enough time to get through all your work.
Set long-term and short-term goals to help break up the work into manageable chunks.
Write out a revision plan to help you stay on track; make sure to include breaks as learning is much
more effective when spaced out over stretches of time.
Remove all distractions from your study area.
Make sure you have all the resources you need – this guide, a pen and extra paper.
Use practical memory aids where you can; make flash cards, and use tables and mind maps like the
ones in this guide.
Try explaining all of the keywords to another person without looking at the glossary.
Test yourself and ask someone to test you.
Recognise your revision milestones using the self-check boxes provided.
In the exam:
■■
■■
■■
■■
Spend the first 10 minutes reading through the paper carefully, and work out a rough schedule to
make sure you complete all the questions.
Read each question before trying to answer it.
Check your work and presentation carefully.
Make sure you understand what the questions mean, so you can apply your knowledge properly:
■■ Analyse: study something in detail and identify characteristics of each piece of information
■■ Assess: make a judgement based on the facts provided
■■ Calculate: work out the value
■■ Comment: give your opinion
■■ Compare: give similarities
■■ Contrast: give differences
■■ Define: give the meaning
■■ Describe: give the characteristics
■■ Discuss: give the key points
■■ Estimate: give a value based on rough working
■■ Explain: give reasons
■■ Identify: name/characterise
■■ Illustrate: give examples
■■ Justify: support your answer with evidence
Individual, Family and Society
Section A
Unit
1
The Family
Concept Map
Parenting
Changing roles
Roles, relationships
and responsibilities
Laws protecting families
Social issues and
situations affecting
families
Types and
unions
THE FAMILY
Self Check
Tick the box that shows how confident you feel
I can explain concepts and terms
associated with the family.
I can describe the major functions of
the family.
I can compare different family types and
unions.
I understand roles, relationships and
responsibilities of family members.
I can identify causes and effects of
changes to the roles of family members.
I can describe ways to prepare for
parenthood and state characteristics of
effective parenting.
I can recognise and suggest strategies
for dealing with social issues that affect
family life.
I can explain the importance of laws
to protect family members in social
situations.
6
Yes
Maybe
No
Section A
Individual, Family and Society
Major Functions of
the Family
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
1. Procreation and Child-rearing
Procreation (having children) enables society to grow and flourish. Many argue that a nuclear family
provides the best environment to raise children.
Within the family, children learn about their rights, roles and responsibilities and their values and
attitudes. Good parents discipline their children and show them that there are consequences to their
actions. This process is called the socialisation of the individual and requires cooperation from both
parents.
2. The Family as an Economic Unit
Children’s basic needs for food, shelter and clothing are provided for through the family unit. Families
often contribute to the cost of their children’s education. If one or more parents work, their income is
used to meet these needs. Confident, happy, educated children are more likely to contribute to the
economic development of the country when they are adults.
3. The Family as a Social Unit
Children develop identity and a sense of self-worth through being part of a kinship. The family is the
primary point at which children’s basic emotional and psychological needs should be met.
Test Yourself:
1. Name THREE functions of the family.
2. Describe what is meant by ‘socialisation of the individual’.
3.
Why do you think the family is so important in meeting emotional needs?
7
Individual, Family and Society
Section A
Different Family Types
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Families come in many different forms:
■■ Nuclear family: a mother, a father and their children live together.
■■ Extended family: extended family members such as grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins live
with the nuclear family.
■■ Sibling household: older children look after younger siblings, parents are absent.
■■ Single-parent family: children live with one parent following divorce or separation. Families
dominated by the female parent are said to be matriarchal, those with a father as the central
authority figure are patriarchal.
Test Yourself: Identify the different family types shown in the illustrations.
1
2
3
4
Different Unions
There are also different types of unions within families. Within a legal
Remember
marriage the man and woman are married according to the law. In a
Not all unions have equal rights in
the Caribbean. Some people are
visiting relationship, the man and woman have sexual relations but
lobbying for this to change.
do not live together. Within a common law or consensual union, the
couple live together but are not married. Most marriages in the Caribbean
are monogamous. However, polyandry and polygyny are practised by some, usually in
accordance with religious beliefs.
Test Yourself:
1. Using the information above, fill in the gaps in the following statement:
Different unions between adults in modern-day society include traditional legal
as well as consensual or
law unions. Not all
couples live together, some have a
relationship. Most unions in the
Caribbean are between one woman and one man (this is called
).
2. Based on ‘matri’ meaning mother and ‘patri’ meaning father, what do you think the terms
matrifocal and patrilineal mean?
8
CSEC Social Studies RG book.indb 8
27/09/2016 09:55
Individual, Family and Society
Section A
Family Roles, Relationships,
Responsibilities
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Your identity develops through the role you play in your family. A father’s identity may be defined
through his role as provider. A mother’s identity may be linked to the emotional support she provides.
These traditional gender roles are starting to change.
Changing roles within the family allow men and women more freedom over what roles they fulfil.
However, parents will always have responsibilities towards their children – to provide for their physical
and emotional needs and to protect and guide them. Grandparents and other extended family members
also often help to care for children.
Children also have responsibilities to respect and obey their parents and contribute to family life through
completing chores. Children may also fill the role of sibling within a family. This role teaches children to
share possessions and the attention of parents. Siblings often argue. This is a necessary stage of a child’s
development and helps teach negotiation and conflict-resolution skills. Parents and children may argue
over decisions that parents make, completion of chores or different opinions on an issue.
Test Yourself:
1. List your roles and responsibilities within your family.
2. List traditional male and female roles within the family and state whether you think these roles
3.
should remain divided or be open to either person.
In what ways might the absence of a father from a family affect a household?
The roles and responsibilities of men and women in the Caribbean are changing. This is due to a number
of factors.
Available technology
Status of women in society
Choice of
employment
Many traditionally
male or female roles
are now open to
both genders
It is now accepted for
women to work and
receive equal pay
and employment
rights to men
Technology means people
can work from home, making
it easier to juggle work and
family life. Appliances and
services have made housework
easier and quicker, allowing
more free time
CAUSES OF
CHANGES TO
TRADITIONAL ROLES
Educational opportunities
Males and females enjoy equal
education and schooling.
The internet has made it easier
to access education and develop
careers
Leisure/recreation
With more time
and money, women
and men have
more opportunities
for leisure activities
9
Individual, Family and Society
Section A
Effects of Changes in
Family Roles
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Changes to traditional roles have brought many benefits: many women are more independent,
confident and fulfilled as a result of earning an income as well as raising a family. Changing roles have
also brought some challenges. Conflict can arise if women are expected to fulfil the majority of duties at
home as well as going out to work. Some people, particularly men, may feel marginalised or threatened
by changing male and female roles. This is known as an identity crisis.
Test Yourself: Read the passage below and then answer the questions:
Andrew and Rose Smith-Clark
Andrew and Rose have two children and both work. Rose has a more senior and better paid job
than Andrew and so works full-time while Andrew works part-time in order to care for the children.
Andrew does not cook the evening meals or do any housework.
Rose enjoys her job and it has increased her self-esteem. However, she is often tired and struggles to
juggle work and family responsibilities.
1. List some benefits and drawbacks for women who work and have a family.
2. Why do you think Andrew refuses to cook or complete housework?
3. What advice would you give to Rose and Andrew?
Preparing for Parenthood
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Parenthood requires a good deal of money, emotional support, time and energy. Problems often result
from an unplanned pregnancy when one or both parents feel unprepared to take on the responsibilities
of a child. If a person is unable to care for their child properly, they may be adopted or cared for by the state.
Potential parents must be prepared for many changes:
■■ Physical: a woman’s body must be mature enough to carry a baby through pregnancy and to give birth.
■■ Economic: a couple must provide financially for their child throughout its life. Food, clothing and
educational needs all need to be paid for. Large expenses such as new accommodation and a car
may also be necessary.
■■ Mental, emotional and psychological: new parents must accept the numerous
demands of having a child. They will be required to make sacrifices and
Remember
changes to their lifestyle and to put their child’s needs before their own.
You need to be able to give
examples of how people can
prepare mentally, physically and
socially for parenthood.
Test Yourself:
1. List THREE demands that a child may place on a parent.
2. List some practical ways that a woman could look after her health while pregnant.
3. Describe ONE change that a person might make to their life in preparation for parenthood.
4. State whether you agree with the following statement: ‘All a child needs is love.’ Give reasons
for your answer.
10
Section A
Characteristics of
Effective Parenting
Individual, Family and Society
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Good parents should model good behaviour to their children. Certain skills, characteristics and attitudes
will be helpful to all parents. Parents need to know about health, hygiene, safety, nutrition, education
and societal demands.
Test Yourself: Using the words below, fill in the qualities of a good parent on the diagram. Each
quality relates to a different part of the body.
problem-solving skills
communication skills
socialising skills
disciplinary skills
showing love
knowledge of good
nutrition
money management
Revision Tip: Try to remember this illustration in your exam. Start from the head and work your
way down the body to remind you of each of the qualities.
Test Yourself:
1. Choose ONE of the qualities from the diagram above and explain why it is important in a
2.
parent.
Based on what you know about the characteristics and tools needed for effective parenting,
write a paragraph explaining the importance of family planning.
Parent Support
There are many parent support groups available for all stages of parenting. Ante-natal groups teach
what couples should expect during pregnancy, childbirth and the first weeks of having a new baby.
Other groups offer support for parents of older children who feel they need extra help when their
children enter puberty.
11
Section A
Individual, Family and Society
Social Issues Affecting
Family Life
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Juvenile delinquency: includes any kind of antisocial behaviour by young people, e.g. getting drunk
and disturbing others, vandalism, intimidation, fighting, shoplifting and missing school. A juvenile
delinquent might be in trouble with the police and cause tension in their family. Reasons for delinquency
include: poverty, lack of opportunity, dysfunctional family life, peer pressure and boredom.
Teenage pregnancy: carries physical and mental health risks for the mother. Her education may be
interrupted or ended, affecting her employment prospects. Unplanned teenage pregnancies can also
put financial, emotional and mental strain on extended families. Causes of teenage pregnancy include
lack of education, irresponsible behaviour and failure to use contraception. 18 per cent of all births
in the Caribbean are
during adolescence
Test Yourself: Find out the most recent figures for teenage pregnancy
in your country. Is this a growing problem or are numbers decreasing?
births during
adolescence
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs): STDs can be
hard to detect as they may not cause symptoms. This increases the risk of
births after
adolescence
these diseases spreading. Untreated, some STDs such as gonorrhoea and
chlamydia can cause infertility. HIV is an STD that can lead to AIDS, which is
incurable. Causes of STDs include lack of condom use, people having multiple sexual partners and a lack
of testing.
Child abuse/incest/domestic violence: child abuse is any action (or neglect) that harms a child
physically, sexually or emotionally. When sexual activity occurs within a family this is called incest.
Domestic violence describes one family member physically attacking another. Such attacks cause
emotional, psychological and physical damage. Sometimes the perpetrator has psychological issues.
Abuse and violence against others is illegal.
Desertion: usually, but not always, it is the father that leaves the family. Absent fathers must pay
maintenance towards the care of their children. A family who are deserted face emotional difficulties as
well as financial challenges. Causes of desertion may be an unhappy marriage, a lack of commitment or a
person starting a new relationship.
Suicide: someone taking their own life is also a form of desertion and carries the same effects. In addition
to facing financial, emotional and psychological hardship, families may feel guilty that they were unable to
help the relative who has died. Suicide is often linked to depression, stress, financial or relationship worries.
Care of the aged and those with special needs: elderly people who do not have family to care for them may
live in a care home or have carers look after them at home. They may need expensive medication. People with
special needs also need dedicated care. Caring for a dependent relative requires time, effort and patience.
Carers may have little time for work or other activities and may suffer financially as they are unable to work.
Alternative lifestyles: there are many different ways to live. People can have multiple sexual partners,
they may not marry, they may be in a same-sex relationship or they may withdraw from society and live
a reclusive life. Some people are concerned that alternative lifestyles damage traditional values.
Street children: homeless children may have escaped an abusive family, been evicted, been orphaned
12
Section A
Individual, Family and Society
or their relatives may be too poor to care for them. Street children face physical and financial hardship
as well as emotional challenges. Some may have addictions to substances such as glue, drugs or alcohol.
Substance abuse can lead to a dependency on crime to fund an addiction.
Human trafficking: illegal trade in people is increasing. Occasionally, parents may be so poor that they
sell their children to traffickers who promise a better life. Sometimes children are stolen. Poor women
may be tricked into leaving their home with the promise of work. When they reach their destination,
these women and children may be sexually exploited, treated as slaves and kept against their will.
Test Yourself:
1. Why might poverty, lack of opportunities and dysfunctional family life lead to juvenile delinquency?
2. What effects might human trafficking have on (a) an individual and (b) their family?
Revision Tip: Look out for examples of social issues and their effects in the newspaper. You
can draw on these in your exam.
Dealing with Social Issues
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Creating and enforcing laws to protect individuals and society is one way of tackling social issues.
Individuals, governments, social agencies and charities can also take action.
Poverty
Poverty destroys people’s choices and gives little hope for the future. This can lead to unsociable
behaviour, crime, psychological damage and addiction. Children who live in poverty are less likely to do
well in school and may feel hopeless about their future, resulting in reckless behaviour. Lack of money
may mean that aged dependants or those with special needs are neglected. If poverty is tackled, other
social problems will improve. Charities run projects to help people work their way out of poverty.
Education
Lack of education is linked to many social problems. Educating people about the risks of irresponsible
sexual behaviour reduces the number of unwanted pregnancies and the transmission of STDs. Providing
a good education and helping young people gain qualifications helps ensure employment and an
escape from poverty, leading to fewer delinquents, homeless children and damaging behaviour. Adult
education improves self-esteem and employment chances.
Social Agencies
Through cooperation, social agencies recognise and address social concerns. Where children have
been mistreated or neglected, parents may need help and support in parenting skills. In extreme
circumstances, children are taken away from their families by social services.
13
Section A
Individual, Family and Society
Justice and Reintegration
When a person commits a crime they may be sent to prison or a detention centre or have to carry out
community work. It is hoped that these sanctions will help to correct their behaviour. Following their
punishment, ex-offenders should be reintegrated into society. Charities across the region help with this.
Freedom of Choice
Strategies for dealing with social issues will only work if people want
to change. People are always free to choose. The support of families
and friends is essential if a person decides to change their way of life.
Laws to Protect the Family
Remember
You should know about some organisations
in the region that deal with social issues.
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Inheritance
When someone dies, their money or property must be shared out
Section 3(1) (b) Status
of Children Act Ch
according to their will. This prevents family members from taking assets
46: 07, Laws of the
Section 3(1)Republic
(b) Status
Children Act Ch 46: 07
ofof
Trinidad
not intended for them. Without a will, possessions are shared between
and Tobago
Laws of the Republic
of Trinidad and Tobago.
the family, prioritising the deceased person’s partner and children.
Childcare
All Caribbean countries have legislation to protect children,
most of which derives from the United Nations Convention
on the Rights of the Child. The Family Law Act is based on
these rights. Childcare legislation ensures that children under
18 are protected by their parents. Child-related laws also state
that, following divorce, the parent caring for children receives
maintenance money. Often joint custody will also be dealt with legally.
Legal Separation
Legal separation gives a couple rights during separation. Usually these relate to money, property and
responsibilities for children.
Divorce
A divorce is the legal ending of a marriage following separation. During divorce settlements, decisions
are made regarding the sharing of assets. One partner may pay money to help support the other
(alimony). Annulment is the ending of a marriage due to it being declared invalid.
Domestic Violence
All Caribbean states that have accepted the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of all Forms
of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) must uphold laws against domestic violence. There are
also laws to protect children against violence.
Some laws need to change to incorporate mental
and emotional as well as physical abuse, as well
Test Yourself:
as to incorporate women in common-law or
1. Why are inheritance laws important?
visiting relationships.
2. Explain, using an example, why laws
need to adapt to modern-day family life.
14
Individual, Family and Society
Section A
Unit
2
Social Groups and
Institutions
Concept Map
Cohesion and
interaction within
social groups
Cultural
diversity of the
Caribbean
Characteristics
of institutions
SOCIAL GROUPS
INSTITUTIONS
Functions of
institutions
Self Check
Tick the box that shows how confident you feel
Yes
Maybe
No
I can correctly use terms and
concepts related to social groups and
institutions.
I can account for cultural diversity in
the Caribbean.
I can outline characteristics of primary,
secondary, formal and informal groups.
I can describe requirements for cohesion
in groups and institutions.
I can describe types of interaction
within groups.
I can describe characteristics and
functions of institutions.
15
Individual, Family and Society
Section A
Cultural Diversity in
the Caribbean
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Cultural diversity occurs when people from different cultural or ethnic groups live together in one
place. Within the Caribbean, people of African, European, American, Afro-Indian, Asian and MiddleEastern ethnic groups live together. Mixing cultures brings a variety of festivals, food, art and tradition to
the Caribbean. It can also cause tensions.
Cultures and Their Influence in the Caribbean
■■
■■
■■
■■
The earliest ethnic group to settle in the Caribbean were the Amerindians who came from Central
and South America around 4000 BC. The Taino people from the Orinoco river area arrived around
500 BC. Amerindians still live in the Caribbean today, particularly in St Vincent.
Africans were transported to the Caribbean in the 17th century as slaves. Most countries in the
Caribbean have a majority Afro-Caribbean population.
The influence of European culture is present in the Caribbean through Christianity and festivals such
as Christmas and Easter. Europeans arrived in the Caribbean in 1492.
Asian influence came with the arrival of indentured workers from China and India in the 19th
century. With these ethnic groups came Hinduism and Islam, along with their many festivals.
Test Yourself: Write a timeline using the information above.
Remember
You need to know the order that ethnic
groups arrived in the Caribbean.
Today, these cultures fuse to create diversity in the Caribbean. Traditions are kept alive through festivals,
crafts, food, literature and religion. Many cultures form their own groups to promote and protect their
ancestral customs.
Ethnic group
Contribution to Caribbean culture
Amerindians (Central and South America)
Cassava, pepperpot, traditional craft (basket weaving and pottery)
Afro-Caribbeans (Africa)
African traditional religion, drumming and dance, storytelling,
plantain, breadfruit
Europeans
Architecture, Christianity, cricket, government and education systems
Asians (China, India)
Hinduism, Islam, festivals, roti, curry, rice
Commercialisation of Culture
The Caribbean’s rich cultural mix is attractive to tourists, who like to try the different foods available and
visit cultural and historical places. People also come to the Caribbean to experience carnival. Tourists can
buy traditional art and crafts and pay to watch traditional dancing and music.
Test Yourself:
1. Name TWO European influences in modern Caribbean life.
2. Which ethnic group brought Islam and Hinduism to the Caribbean?
3. Identify ONE benefit and ONE drawback of cultural diversity.
16
Section A
Characteristics of
Social Groups
Individual, Family and Society
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Society is made up of different social groups. These groups meet and interact regularly, share common
goals and interests and meet expectations for accepted behaviour.
■■ A primary social group is small. Members interact frequently and directly,
relationships are personal and each person belongs to the group based on who
they are. Membership is normally involuntary, e.g. a family.
■■ Secondary social groups are larger and less personal. Interaction is less frequent or
temporary and the group may be split into smaller work groups, e.g. a school committee.
■■ A formal social group is an organised group with an elected leader and written rules.
Members might wear a uniform and there are usually formal requirements for joining and
leaving. Cooperation is required by all members, e.g. a class in school, a football team.
■■ Informal social groups are more relaxed, with no clear structure or rules, and members
may join or leave voluntarily at any time, e.g. peer groups, a school gardening club.
Test Yourself:
1. Using the descriptions above, identify ONE other primary, secondary, formal and informal group.
2. State THREE benefits of belonging to social groups.
3. What conflicts might arise within a social group?
Cohesion within
Social Groups
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Groups need to have cohesion. Formal groups that have a clear aim work best with a figure of
authority to facilitate and guide the group, often delegating tasks. Leadership styles range from
dictatorial to democratic. A successful group requires commitment and loyalty from members
and acceptance of the group leader.
Test Yourself: Look at the picture
and identify these aspects of social
interaction:
competition
conflict
cooperation
compromise
17
Individual, Family and Society
Section A
Characteristics of
Institutions
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
An institution can be an accepted pattern or custom in society (a norm) or an established, formal group
within society, such as the church or the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC).
Social Institutions
Over time, a social norm becomes accepted practice. Handshaking, conversing with others, dressing
appropriately and celebrating birthdays are all social norms. Casual social norms such as these are
sometimes called folkways. More important social norms arise from the accepted values of society. Norms
closely connected with moral values are known as mores. They often form the backbone of society and
influence laws in a country, e.g. the more to hand in lost property that you find to the police stems from the
moral value not to steal. Some values change over time, affecting social norms. For society and organisations
to develop, they must be flexible and adapt their norms and values in line with societal changes.
Organisational Institutions
Organisational institutions (large, established and often influential groups within society) are secondary
formal groups that share certain characteristics.
Characteristics of Organisational
Institutions
Characteristics of institutional organisations
Hierarchical structure
(needed to form an organisation)
Symbols and rituals
(symbols and rituals
consolidate identity)
ORGANISATION
Specific function
(an organisation must have
a reason to exist)
Written (accepted) rules
and fixed sanctions
(an organisation produces written
rules enforced by sanctions)
Endures over time
(although members may change)
Test Yourself: Choose an organisational institution in your country and write a summary of how it
incorporates THREE of the characteristics listed above.
18
Individual, Family and Society
Section A
Functions of Institutions
Reviewed
Revised
Category of institution
Description
Economic
Includes banks, building societies, credit unions
and trade organisations. Also industries that
produce goods and raw materials that contribute
to the economy of a country.
Educational
Schools, colleges, universities, adult education
classes, libraries and any organisation that
teaches skills and knowledge. These institutions,
particularly for children, also have a role in the
socialisation of individuals.
Recreational
Organisations providing recreational activities to
a population – include cinemas, theatres, libraries,
sports clubs, music venues, tourist resorts,
gymnasiums, restaurants and leisure centres.
Religious
Places of worship, religious schools, convents
and monasteries. Religious institutions are very
important in Caribbean society, where most of
the population practise a faith. Many religious
institutions also take an active role in responding
to social issues.
Political
The main political institution in a country
is its government. Governments have many
departments responsible for areas such as
education, employment, defence, the arts and local
government. Government represents and protects
its people. It should ensure a good standard of
living and help the country develop. Other political
institutions include opposition parties and lobby
groups as well as prisons, which exist because
of political decisions made regarding crime
and punishment.
Mastered
Test Yourself: Label the following institutions with the words given. Some may fit into more than
one category.
economic
educational
recreational
religious
political
19
Individual, Family and Society
Section A
Unit
3
Government
Concept Map
Relationship
between citizens and
governments
Factors influencing
the outcome of elections
Preparation
for elections
Essentials of
good governance
Structure
of government
Factors influencing
voter participation
ELECTORAL SYSTEMS
IN THE CARIBBEAN
Functions
of government
GOVERNMENT SYSTEMS
IN THE CARIBBEAN
Self Check
Tick the box that shows how confident you feel
I can describe systems used to elect a
government in the Caribbean.
I can describe how political parties
prepare for election.
I can name factors that influence voter
participation and outcomes of elections.
I can differentiate between government
systems in the Caribbean.
I can describe the structure of
government and explain the roles of
different powers.
I can evaluate the functions
of government.
I can describe how the constitution
influences the relationship between
government and citizens.
I can list characteristics of
good governance.
20
Yes
Maybe
No
Individual, Family and Society
Section A
Electoral Systems in
the Caribbean
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Caribbean governments are elected in two ways: first-past-the-post or proportional representation
(PR). When no party wins a clear majority of seats, a hung parliament occurs. In this instance two
political parties may form a coalition government. Occasionally, all major political parties unite to form
a government of national unity.
First-past-the-post (FPTP)
■■
■■
■■
■■
■■
■■
A country is divided into geographical constituencies which are allocated a representative from
each political party. Constituencies may also have independent candidates.
Each constituency’s electorate vote for the candidate they wish to represent them in parliament.
The person with the most votes wins a seat in parliament and represents their constituency.
The political party with the majority of seats forms the government. Its leader becomes prime
minister. The party with the second highest number of seats becomes the opposition party.
Some people are concerned that this system of election promotes gerrymandering.
First-past-the-post is the electoral system used in all Commonwealth countries except Guyana.
Proportional Representation (PR)
■■
■■
■■
■■
■■
Seats in parliament reflect the number of votes a party receives in an election.
The electorate vote for a political party to rule their country rather than a candidate to represent
their constituency.
Each political party prepares two lists of candidates (a national top-up list and a geographical
constituencies list).
The number of candidates that will occupy seats in parliament depends on how many votes a
party wins. If a party wins 28% of votes, they will gain 28% of seats in parliament, split between their
national and geographical lists.
Lists are made in order of preference.
Adult suffrage describes eligibility to vote. All residents over 18 years old
have the right to vote in elections.
In these first-past-the-post
election results, the United
Independent Party will win
the election.
This means that 63.6%
of the population will
not have the party they
voted for in power.
Others
13.6% of votes
Remember
Guyana is the only Commonwealth
Caribbean country to use
proportional representation.
United Independent Party
36.4% of votes
The People’s Party
18.8% of votes
Democratic Union Party
31.2% of votes
21
Individual, Family and Society
Section A
Electoral Processes in
the Caribbean
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Test Yourself: Study the table.
Results of the 2015 Guyana general election
Party
Votes
Percentage
No. of seats
APNU-AFC
207,201
50.30
33
People’s Progressive Party
202,656
49.19
32
The United Force
1,099
0.27
0
United Republican Party
418
0.10
0
Independent Party
342
0.08
0
National Independent Party
254
0.06
0
Total
415,970
100
65
Source: GECOM.
1.
Draw a pie chart to reflect the split of seats
between the APNU-AFC and the People’s
Progressive Party in the 2015 Guyana elections.
2. Why did The United Force party not win any
seats, despite 1,099 people voting for them?
3. What disadvantage to proportional
representation does this show?
4. Match the advantages and disadvantages on
the right to FPTP or PR.
Remember
It’s simple.
The candidate with the highest
number of votes gains the seat
in parliament.
A constituency has a
parliamentary candidate to
represent its specific needs
and concerns.
Constituencies whose
representatives aren’t in the
ruling party may be
side-lined.
Be able to state which electoral
system you prefer and why.
It leads to too many
parties being represented
with no clear lead.
It’s fairer. The votes
a party receives are reflected
in the number of seats
they have.
It provides for
representation of minority
political parties.
Eligible voters must register to vote and are
provided with a voter’s list of candidates
Whichever electoral system is used, the electoral process is the same.
Eligible voters must register to vote and are
provided with a voter’s list of candidates
Eligible voters must register to vote and are
provided with a voter’s list of candidates
Eligible voters must register to vote and are
provided with a voter’s list of candidates
Political parties campaign to win votes
Political parties campaign to win votes
Political parties campaign to win votes
22
Political parties campaign to win votes
The electorate cast their votes individually by completing
ballot papers and posting them in a sealed box
The electorate cast their votes individually by completing
ballot papers and posting them in a sealed box
The electorate cast their votes individually by completing
ballot papers and posting them in a sealed box
Votes
countedand
and winners
Votes
arearecounted
winnersannounced
announced
Section A
Individual, Family and Society
Voter Participation
in Elections
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
To be eligible to vote you must be over 18, be a citizen of the country and have registered to vote. Some
people that register won’t vote and others may not even register. This may be a result of not being
educated on the importance of voting, cynicism towards government or voter apathy.
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
19
51
19
56
19
61
19
66
19
71
19
76
19
81
19
86
19
91
19
94
19
9
20 9
03
20
08
20
13
Candidates: a voter may like/dislike, agree/disagree with a
particular candidate or feel loyal to them due to religious or
cultural ties.
Voter turnout (%)
Campaign issues: to engage voters, political parties must
convince the public that they will improve society. They do
this by telling voters what actions they will take on various
issues. This is called campaigning and intensifies the closer
a country gets to a general election.
Voter participation trends in Barbados
between 1951 and 2013
Year
Loyalty: people might vote for a particular party because that is who they have always voted for; in
this sense they may feel a loyalty to a political party even if they are no longer happy with its values or
practices. Family influence can also affect how a person votes.
Personal circumstances: an older person may vote for the political party they are most familiar with or
that has ruled the country well in the past. Younger people are more likely to want change and to vote
for more recent or progressive political parties. Income and status can also influence votes.
Factors Influencing the
Outcome of Elections
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Political parties do all they can to win votes. In particular, a party will try to influence floating
voters and gain marginal seats.
■■
■■
■■
Media coverage: the media will report on parties’ campaigning and expose any improper
behaviour. Negative media coverage may influence people’s support for a party. The media should
provide unbiased reporting on all parties.
Voter attitude: some people may decide not to vote, others may change their mind about who to
vote for. Sometimes public opinion polls sway voters’ decisions; they may not vote for a party that is
unlikely to win.
Campaigning: it is vital for parties to have a campaign strategy. This ensures that all party
members know its key messages and priorities, understand its policies, are aware of marginal
constituencies and adopt the party’s tactics. To succeed, a party’s members must be unified and
have a common strategy. The amount of money that a party spends on its campaign, along with the
effectiveness of its advertising, also affects its success.
23
Section A
How Political Parties
Prepare for Elections
Individual, Family and Society
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
A slogan of the Saint Lucia Labour Party
A slogan of the Saint Lucia Labour Party
In Commonwealth Caribbean countries, government can be
in power for five years only before a general election is called.
Political parties prepare for a general election by:
■■ Selecting candidates: any eligible person who is
approved by their party can stand.
■■ Raising funds: these funds pay for candidates’ travel
Political parties may mail flyers such as
this to people’s homes to try to win votes
and accommodation, advertising and staff. Funding may
come through donations from individuals and businesses
or fundraising.
■■ Prioritising issues: parties must decide which issues are
most important. They then develop policies to address
these and attract voters. Opinion polls highlight key areas
of concern and indicate which constituencies a party
should focus on.
■■ Publishing a manifesto: this document outlines a party’s
values and its intended policies and legislation. It sets out
an action plan for a party if it gains power. Parties may also
come up with a campaign slogan to sum up their beliefs.
■■ Campaigning: politicians try to convince the electorate to
vote for their party through face-to-face meetings (called
canvassing), through advertising and media (including
social media), through mailings and through debates. All campaigning must be done openly
without intimidation, aggression or harassment. Every party must be allowed to campaign.
■■ Monitoring the opposition: parties monitor each other to assess which policies or actions have
been successful. They then use this information to adapt their own approach. Parties often highlight
weaknesses in each other but should be careful not to focus too much on the failings of another
party. This is known as a smear campaign and may deter voters.
■■ Monitoring the electoral process: all parties must monitor the electoral process to ensure that
candidates follow the rules. Parties should ensure that voters are protected from
bribery and intimidation and that they conduct themselves appropriately.
Remember
Test Yourself: Write a brief campaign strategy for a political party
(existing or fictional) including all the elements listed above.
24
To be eligible to stand as a political
candidate a person should be over
21 years old, be a resident of their
country and be proficient in
the English language.
Section A
Individual, Family and Society
Government Systems in
the Caribbean
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Crown Colonies
Crown colonies, now known as British Overseas Territories, are countries with a governor (appointed by
Britain to represent the British monarch). These countries have varying degrees of self-rule but ultimately
come under British authority and protection, e.g. Montserrat, Cayman Islands and Turks and Caicos Islands.
Constitutional Monarchies
Hierarchy of a constitutional monarchy
These are countries that, following independence, retained ties with
Britain whilst having political independence. Governors were replaced
with governors-general appointed by the British monarch as their
representative, e.g. Barbados, St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Kitts
and Nevis, St Lucia and Grenada.
Monarch
(no ruling authority, subject to law)
Governor‐general
(no ruling authority, subject to law)
Republic
In a republic, the monarch is replaced by a president as head of state. In a
parliamentary republic, the president is elected by parliament but has
limited power. Authority over how the country is governed belongs to the
prime minister, e.g. Trinidad and Tobago, the Commonwealth of Dominica.
In presidential republics the president is elected by public vote and is
head of government as well as head of state. She or he has full authority
over the running of the country, e.g. Guyana.
Structures of Government
Prime minister
(has authority to run the
country, subject to law)
Government
(works with and for the prime
minister to run the country)
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Whichever system of government is used in a country, the government will be structured into three
separate branches, called a separation of powers. These branches are the legislature, the executive
and the judiciary. These branches of government are independent from (yet accountable to) each other
in order to avoid abuses of power. Additional security systems such as the prison and police service work
closely with the government.
The Legislature
This is the branch of government that forms parliament and manages the day-to-day running of
the country, e.g. passing laws (legislation), debating issues and forming policies. Legislature can
have one (unicameral) or two (bicameral) parts. Most Commonwealth Caribbean countries have
bicameral legislatures but Guyana and Dominica are examples of unicameral legislatures. A bicameral
legislature has an upper house (often called the Senate) and a lower house (often called the House of
Representatives/the House of Assembly).
The Senate is made up of senators nominated by the head of state (independent senators), the prime
minister (government senators) and leaders of the opposition (opposition senators). Government and
opposition senators represent a political party. Independent senators do not represent any party and are
often nominated to represent a specific area of society.
25
Individual, Family and Society
Section A
The House of
Representatives
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
The House of Representatives is made up of MPs from the ruling party and opposition parties,
including the prime minister and the leader of the opposition. They have been elected by their
constituencies or, in the case of proportional representation, their party leader. The ruling party will fill
the majority of seats in both Houses. Both senators and MPs vote on issues debated in parliament.
Organogram showing structure of government branches
Government
Executive
Cabinet
Civil servants
Ministers
Legislature
Bicameral
Senate
Senators
Judiciary
Unicameral
Privy Council
House of
Representatives
Caribbean Court
of Justice
MPs
Court of Appeal
High Court
Magistrates’ Court
How Laws Are Made
in
ReviewedThe stages
Revised involved
Mastered
creating a new law
To ensure that a proposed law is required, fair and appropriate it must be
debated, modified if necessary and eventually agreed upon in the House of
Representatives and the Senate.
Proposal
Preparation of outline
Test Yourself: Study the flow chart opposite, which shows the
process involved in creating laws.
Copy the chart, providing a summary for each stage and inserting
the missing stages below into the correct spaces.
Draft Committee stage Assent stage
First reading
Second reading
Report stage
Third reading
Senate debate
26
Section A
Individual, Family and Society
Key Persons
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
The Prime Minister: appoints ministers and decides their responsibilities; chairs cabinet meetings;
appoints the governor-general (in a constitutional monarchy); decides when elections should occur;
leads on formulating policy and legislation.
The Opposition: challenges and questions government policies and conduct; exposes weakness or
corruption in government; proposes its own bills.
The Head of State: in countries where the head of state is executive president, they have all the same
powers as the prime minister. Where the head of state is a governor-general, they have discretionary
powers to appoint the prime minister, the leader of the opposition, independent senators and members
of the Privy Council.
The Governor-General, on the advice of the prime minister, will also: appoint/dismiss ministers; dissolve
parliament; appoint judges.
The Executive is the branch of government that oversees the daily
running of the country. Composed of the cabinet (prime minister,
cabinet ministers and junior cabinet ministers) and civil servants,
the executive: creates policies and programmes for the country and
ensures they are carried out; proposes legislation (laws); proposes
taxation (the budget).
Structure of the executive
Prime minister
= Cabinet
Ministers
Civil servants ensure that government programmes are carried out.
Senior civil servants advise cabinet.
Junior ministers
Ministers are appointed by the prime minister (or, in Guyana, the
president) into areas of responsibility in the cabinet. These areas
of responsibility are known as a portfolio. The minister leads a
government department (ministry) and must create, defend and
promote its policies. When a government changes these roles, this is
known as a cabinet reshuffle.
Civil servants
Test Yourself: Match the role to the corresponding responsibility.
prime minister
civil servant
minister
junior minister
assigned a portfolio
implements government policies
leads the cabinet
assists the minister
27
Individual, Family and Society
Section A
The Judiciary
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
This branch of government administers the law. It is vital that it remains independent and is not
influenced by the executive or legislature. The judiciary investigates allegations of law-breaking and
imposes sanctions on those who have acted illegally. Different courts fulfil different purposes:
■■ Magistrates’ court: conducts trials for minor criminal offences (e.g. shoplifting) as well as initial
enquiries into serious crimes. The coroner’s court at this level investigates suspicious deaths.
■■ High court: deals with serious offences that have had a preliminary hearing at a magistrates’ court.
Disputes relating to civil matters (e.g. divorce, land disputes) take place at civil divisions of a high
court.
■■ Court of appeal: handles appeals against sentences. This court can alter the sentence or fine
imposed by a lower court.
■■ Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ): if an individual still does not agree with the sentencing from
the court of appeal, they can appeal to the Caribbean Court of Justice. The CCJ also investigates
international cases relating to the CARICOM Treaty.
■■ Privy Council: the final court of appeal for most English-speaking Caribbean countries, situated in
London, UK.
Revision Tip: The hierarchy of Caribbean criminal courts works anti-alphabetically: Magistrates’
court, High court, Court of appeal and Caribbean Court of Justice (but don’t forget to add Privy
Council at the top!).
Security Systems
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
The police and prison services work with the court system to administer and uphold the law. Police may
arrest people breaking the law. Police will then work with social services to investigate the crime and,
if necessary, take the case to court. It is also the role of police to protect citizens and keep the peace.
This involves overseeing rallies, controlling traffic and attending accidents. The prison service is used to
punish offenders and act as a deterrent. Keeping criminals in prison prevents them from committing
further attacks, thus protecting society. It is important that prisons provide opportunities for criminals to
change and that prisoners are supported to reintegrate into society.
The process and judicial services involved in administering the law
Arrest
by police
Preliminary
hearing at
magistrates’
court
Case heard
at high
court
Prison
sentence
imposed
Test Yourself:
1. Cover this page and list the different Caribbean courts in order of prominence.
2. Why is it important for a judiciary to be independent?
28
Section A
Individual, Family and Society
Functions of Government
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
A good government manages the affairs of a country to enable the best possible standard of living for its
citizens. This means placing restrictions and expectations on citizens as well as providing services to them.
■■ Taxation: all adults earning over a certain amount must pay income tax to pay for these services. Tax is also
applied to goods and services that people buy (VAT, consumption tax, airport duty and stamp duty).
■■ Social services: are provided free by the government and paid for by taxes. Includes welfare
(pensions, money for families on low incomes), education, healthcare and public utilities.
■■ Budget: a government must decide how it will raise and spend revenue (a budget). The flow
of money into and out of a country and the management of inflation keep a country stable. A
government must decide how much money to borrow while keeping debt manageable.
■■ Law and order: a government maintains law and order and promotes stability through passing
legislation, maintaining courts and prisons and ensuring sufficient policing.
■■ Employment: government aims to provide employment for as many
Remember
citizens as possible, either directly through government services
Fiscal policy deals with how
or by promoting the growth of private business. The government
government money is raised and
spent; monetary policy monitors
provides services to help people train for and find work.
and stabilises the flow of
■■ International relations: developing and maintaining good relations with
money within a country.
other countries to benefit trade, finance and security.
■■ Defence: as well as a police force, most countries have
Test Yourself: Define the term ‘revenue’.
their own armed forces and a defence budget.
Good Governance
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Good governance depends on:
■■ Participation: listening to the public and involving and educating people on the decisions that
affect them. This is done through public consultations, referendums and free and fair elections.
■■ Transparency: governments must be open and honest in the decisions they make.
■■ Accountability: governments must be held to account. Government is not above the law and if
allegations of misconduct are made, MPs and political parties may be investigated.
■■ Responding to the needs of citizens: a good government spends time and money determining the
important issues in society and representing, responding to and protecting its citizens.
■■ Providing access to information: allowing citizens to access information that concerns them,
provided this does not threaten national security.
■■ Good use of resources/efficient civil service: governments are obliged to use taxes responsibly.
They should work efficiently, try to reduce costs and make best sue of staff, time and money.
Government employees should be accountable for their use of resources.
■■ Freedom of expression: allowing individuals the freedom to express opinions, even if they oppose
the government. This is a vital part of democracy.
Test Yourself:
1. Which THREE characteristics of good governance do you feel are most important?
2. Choose ONE characteristic of good governance and give recommendations for how your
government could improve in this area.
29
Individual, Family and Society
Section A
Citizens and the Government
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
A peaceful, successful country must have cooperation and respect between its government and citizens.
A constitution sets out the rules and principles, as well as the freedoms and rights, of a society. Citizens
should adhere to the constitution and all laws that are passed should reflect the spirit of the constitution.
The constitution of every Commonwealth Caribbean country includes a bill of rights that every citizen
is entitled to, based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These rights protect all citizens
equally, regardless of gender, race, religion or political beliefs. With rights and freedoms, however, come
responsibilities. A list of rights and their corresponding responsibilities is given below.
Rights/Freedoms
Responsibilities
Right to life and freedom of expression
To respect human life and beliefs of others
Right to vote and express political views
To be informed about political parties and engage in elections
Right to security
To abide by laws and report unlawful behaviour
Freedom of movement
To abide by international laws and rules of travel
Right to education
To attend school and work hard
Right to liberty
To exercise freedom and allow others theirs
Right to a fair trial
To be honest in court and attend jury service
Right to protection from the law
To obey the law
Right to privacy
To conduct yourself ethically and honestly
The Role of the Ombudsman
An ombudsman is an official who investigates complaints regarding public services. These might relate
to unfair treatment or inadequate service. The ombudsman is independent and will report findings to
parliament. This ensures that public authorities provide a good service and are accountable.
Test Yourself:
1. Define the following terms:
constitution democracy authoritarian
2. Give TWO reasons why it is important for a country to have a constitution.
3.
30
List THREE other rights and their responsibilities.
Section A
Individual, Family and Society
Test Questions for Section A
1. What did the Amerindians introduce to the
Caribbean?
(a) cassava
(b) cassava, pepperpot, crafts
(c) molasses
(d) cassava and plantain
6. Which of the following are NOT vital for a group to
function effectively?
(a) cohesion
(b) a leader
(c) respect
(d) cooperation
2. Which of the following are THREE important
qualities of a good parent?
(a) social skills, nutritional knowledge, wealth
(b) social skills, love, intelligence
(c) social skills, nutritional knowledge, love
(d) social skills, intelligence, wealth
7. Which of the following are social norms?
(a) sneezing, handshaking and sleeping
(b) sneezing, handshaking and saying please and
thank you
(c) sneezing, sleeping and saying please and thank you
(d) handshaking and saying please and thank you
3. Which of the following does NOT relate to the
effects of changing roles in Caribbean society?
(a) identity crisis
(b) socialisation of the individual
(c) male marginalisation
(d) independence of women
8. Which of the following are all examples of
secondary social groups?
(a) a school council, a family, a church refurbishment
committee
(b) a school council, a family, a friendship group
(c) a school council, a church refurbishment
committee, a party planning group
(d) a school council, a party planning group, a Scout
group
4. Which of the following social issues is punishable by
law?
(a) teenage pregnancy
(b) child abuse
(c) domestic violence
(d) desertion
5. Which of the following does NOT relate to
protection of the family?
(a) UNHCR
(b) The Family Law Act
(c) CEDAW
(d) WHO
9. A traditional craft shop is an example of:
(a) modern culture
(b) hanging culture
(c) cultural divides
(d) commercialisation of culture
10. Which of the following is NOT a type of
government system?
(a) crown colony
(b) independent state
(c) constitutional monarchy
(d) republic
Structured Questions
1. Dianne lives with her father and sister. Their mother died two years ago. Dianne’s father has to work full-time
to earn an income for the family, which means that Dianne and her sister often have to look after themselves,
including preparing their own meals.
(a) Using this information, identify Dianne’s family type.
(b) What functions of the family are being met?
(c) What functions may not be being met adequately? Give reasons for your answer.
2. Jacinta’s partner has recently died. He owned the house that Jacinta and their two children live in and Jacinta
is worried that her partner’s family will take the house from her as they were never married but were in a civil
partnership. Jacinta’s partner did not leave a will. State how family law can protect Jacinta and her children in
this situation.
3. Describe TWO ways, giving examples, in which cultural diversity is reflected in the Caribbean.
4. (a) Name the THREE branches of government and give a brief description of each of their functions.
(b)Explain the term ‘separation of powers’ and explain why this is important in relation to the three
branches of government.
5. Imagine you are part of a political party preparing for an election. Outline THREE ways in which you would
prepare, describing the importance of each.
31
Sustainable Development and Use of Resources
Section B
Unit
1
Development and
Use of Resources
Concept Map
Developing
human
resources
Population
distribution and
change
Migration
Population
statistics
POPULATION
Employment
RESOURCES
Choosing
a job
Sustainable
development
Self Check
Tick the box that shows how confident you feel
I can explain concepts associated with
human and physical resources.
I can describe major characteristics of
a population.
I can explain what factors influence
population change and distribution.
I can explain the source and importance
of population statistics.
I can identify causes/consequences
of migration.
I can outline factors in the development
of human resources and explain why
they are needed.
I can explain what influences
employment, unemployment and
underemployment.
I can identify considerations when
choosing a job or being self-employed.
I can describe locations and uses of
natural resources and the importance of
preserving them.
32
Yes
Maybe
No
Section B
Sustainable Development and Use of Resources
Population
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
The population is the number of people in a particular place, e.g. a town, a city, a country or the world.
Population is made up of different ages, genders, occupations, ethnicity, religion and dependency
ratios. These factors show the structure and characteristics of a population and can be collected
and analysed to inform governmental decisions. Characteristics of population are often shown in a
population pyramid. This shows visually the relative numbers of different age groups and genders in a
population. The study of populations is called demography.
Test Yourself: Use the population pyramid to answer the questions:
1. Which age range has the highest population in Jamaica?
Jamaica – 2015
Male
2. Are there more dependants (aged over 65 or under 19) or
working people in Jamaica?
3.
Are there more men or women over 65 years of age in
Jamaica?
160 128
96 64 32
Population
(in thousands)
100+
95–99
90–94
85–89
80–84
75–79
70–74
65–69
60–64
55–59
50–54
45–49
40–44
35–39
30–34
25–29
20–24
15–19
10–14
5–9
0–4
0
0
Age group
Female
32
64 96 128 160
Population
(in thousands)
Revision Tip: Practise presenting a population pyramid based on statistics provided by looking
up statistics for age and gender in your country and presenting them in a population pyramid.
Population Distribution
Population distribution shows the way that a population is spread out across an area. Population
density is the number of people compared to space. This is worked out by calculating the number of
people per square kilometre. Population densities are influenced by:
■■ Relief of the land: mountainous regions are
Map showing relief of the land in the Dominican
Republic. Notice that the capital city is located
underpopulated as they are hard to access and
on low ground
difficult to farm. Flat land is easier to build on,
navigate and farm, so communities often build up
Atlantic Ocean
in these areas. In areas prone to flooding, people
DOMINICAN
REPUBLIC
CUBA
live on higher ground.
HAITI
■■ Climate: regions with extreme climates (e.g. deserts,
the Arctic) have few inhabitants. Generally, people
Santo
are attracted to areas with a climate for comfortable
Domingo
living and fertile farming. However, due to climate
Metres
Caribbean Sea
change, many people have to live in areas with
3050
1525
extreme weather conditions. Flood defences,
610
305
irrigation systems, alternative farming methods and
153
sea level
secure buildings help communities to adapt.
33
Sustainable Development and Use of Resources
Section B
■■
■■
■■
Location of mineral resources: populations grow around areas that have mineral resources – they
provide jobs and wealth. Oil and gas extraction provided 44% of government revenue for Trinidad
and Tobago in 2011.
Developed areas: such areas provide housing, infrastructure (roads, water and electricity supplies),
amenities (schools, hospitals, shops), leisure facilities and employment. As more people choose to
live in these areas, towns and cities grow. The most densely populated area of a country is its capital
city. Globally, more people live in urban areas than in rural settings.
Charity
Environmental factors: certain types of vegetation make it
VENEZUELA
Georgetown
difficult for humans to live in an area if they cannot build on or
Bartica
New Amsterdam
GUYANA
farm the land, e.g. forest areas of Belize and Guyana. Sometimes,
Mahida Linden
environmental factors (active volcanoes, earthquakes) make an
area unsafe to live in (e.g. the southern side of Montserrat).
SURINAME
of Guyana and identify:
1. The densely populated areas.
Why do you think this is?
2. The unpopulated areas.
Why do you think this is?
Remember
You should know about the densely
populated and underpopulated areas
in your country.
BRAZIL
Essequibo
Test Yourself: Study the map
Lethem
Dense tropical forest
Seasonally flooded tropical forest
with scattered marsh and swamp
Grassland or savanna
Cultivated land
Pakaraima Mountains
Population Change
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
The global population has increased from 1.65 billion in 1900 to 7 billion today. The world’s population
will always grow as long as its birth rate exceeds its death rate.
Birth and Death Rates and Natural Increases
Remember
birth rate – death rate
= rate of natural increase
A country’s birth rate is calculated by comparing the number of children
born each year to every 1,000 people in the population. Birth rate is affected
by many factors: the number of child-bearing women in the population, people’s
choices concerning family size, the provision of maternal healthcare. The birth rate minus the death
rate gives the rate of natural increase in a country’s population.
Test Yourself: Use the statistics in the table to fill in the missing
birth and death rates and natural increases.
Country
Birth rate
Death rate
Montserrat
11.26
6.30
Barbados
11.87
St Lucia
13.70
Trinidad and Tobago
St Kitts and Nevis
34
Remember
3.43
You need to know how to calculate
birth rate, death rate and natural
increase using statistics.
7.42
8.56
13.50
Natural increase
7.09
4.90
Section B
Sustainable Development and Use of Resources
Factors Affecting
Birth and Death Rates
■■
■■
■■
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Development: as healthcare improves, people live longer and maternal and infant mortality rates
decrease.
Family planning: fertility rate is affected by the availability of contraceptives and information on
reproduction. This gives people more control over their family size and spacing. Fertility treatments
help more couples to conceive.
Education: improved access to education means that more people
Remember
know about the implications of overpopulation. People are more aware
Conflict over family planning can
of the family planning options available to them. Educated women are
arise within groups that oppose
less likely to have large families. Nutrition and lifestyle education means
contraception.
that people take better care of themselves and live longer.
Migration
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Migration occurs within a country as well as internationally. People moving into a country is called
immigration. People leaving a country is emigration. The difference between these two factors
determines the net migration for a country. Positive net migration occurs when more people move
into a country than move out. Negative net migration is when more people leave a country than migrate
into it. The net migration rate is usually worked out per 1,000 of the population: N = 1,000 × (I − E)/P.
Revision Tip: Immigration is people moving in (im sounds like in). This must mean that
emigration is people moving out.
Test Yourself: If the total population of a country is 370,000 and 19,000 people immigrated one
year and 10,800 emigrated, what was the island’s net migration that year? Did the country have a
positive or negative net migration?
Push and Pull Factors
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Reasons for people leaving a place are known as push factors. The circumstances that attract
people to move to a particular country or area are known as pull factors.
External migration occurs between Caribbean countries and between the Caribbean and
the rest of the world. Some people study abroad or move for employment. Other pull factors include
relationships, family ties or just wanting to experience a different country. There is concern that external
migration leads to depopulation and brain drain in the supply country. However, many
people living abroad send money back to their family at home and, if the person returns home, they
bring the skills they have acquired with them.
There is concern in some host countries that migrants take jobs from
local people and put an extra burden on the state. Some migrant
workers experience prejudice or exploitation. In most cases,
immigration benefits the host country through providing workers and
skills as well as improving cultural diversity.
Remember
The most common countries that
people from the Caribbean emigrate
to are Canada, Mexico, the United
States and the United Kingdom.
35
Section B
Sustainable Development and Use of Resources
Rural–Urban Migration
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Many young people decide to leave rural areas for employment, education or a more exciting life in
an urban area. Large numbers of people migrating to urban areas (urbanisation) causes problems as
those areas become overcrowded and rural areas experience depopulation, underdevelopment and an
increase in a dependent population.
Test Yourself: Finish this diagram by listing the reasons people leave rural areas (push factors) under the
rural picture and the factors that attract people to urban areas (pull factors) under the city scene.
modern infrastructure
no jobs
boredom
more jobs
persecution
culture
underdevelopment
more opportunities
more and better facilities
better education
lack of opportunity
Urban–Rural Migration
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Some people feel that rural areas with less crime, pollution and crowding give a better quality of life.
Persons who work in agriculture may move to rural areas for employment.
Test Yourself:
1. Write out a list of push and a list of pull factors for urban–rural migration.
2. Using the above information, identify all the consequences of migration, both positive and
negative, that are mentioned.
3.
36
Categorise these under the headings Individual, Host country or Origin country depending
on whom they affect.
Section B
Sustainable Development and Use of Resources
Population Statistics
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Population statistics give data relating to the size and structure of a country’s population and are compiled
through collecting birth rates, death rates and migration figures. This is done in a variety of ways:
■■ National census: collection of data about a country’s population by the government. Usually a form
is sent out to every adult in a country, who must provide theEvery
information
requested.
Information
birth in
the Caribbean
must be
registered
to
inform
population
figures
gathered is made available to the population.
■■ Registrar’s office: these are government offices that
keep a legal record of births, marriages and deaths. It is a
legal obligation to register these incidents.
■■ Office of Naturalisation: keeps a record of all the people
who have immigrated to the country and been granted
naturalisation. Figures of people living temporarily
in the country are also recorded.
■■ Records of religious institutions: records of baptisms,
marriages, funerals and coming of age ceremonies are
also held by religious institutions.
Uses of Population
Statistics
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Census information shows how many people live in the country and how features of the population
have changed over time, informing policies on social issues.
■■ Housing: Different types of housing provide for different needs. Population statistics showing the
quantity and type of family units within a country help governments plan appropriate housing types
and numbers.
■■ Healthcare: the different ages in a population influence the type of healthcare required. Areas that
contain a high dependent population require a higher level of healthcare. Aging populations
require extra services such as community transport.
■■ Education: an area with a large population of families will require adequate school provision.
Statistics showing areas of growth help predict where schools need to be built.
■■ Employment: population statistics show government the level of employment and selfemployment in their country. They can identify when employment levels change as well as giving an
average unemployment figure for the country. This helps when budgeting for social welfare services,
as well as identifying which areas need assistance to gain employment.
■■ Social welfare: services such as social workers, the police force and health workers need to be
concentrated in areas of high population, high crime and high unemployment.
■■ Infrastructure: includes all the services, provisions and systems
Remember
that enable society to function comfortably and successfully,
A parish with the highest population
e.g. roads, electricity and water supply, garbage collection and
shouldn’t always receive the biggest share
of a country’s investment. Factors such
sanitation. Good transport and communication links also help
as population density, age distribution
to grow business and investment to develop the economy.
and employment rates should
also be considered.
37
Section B
Sustainable Development and Use of Resources
Developing Human Resources
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Human resources are essential to a country’s development. Without people, a country cannot provide
services, manufacture goods, advance science and technology or develop culture. It is important for
government to protect, nurture and assist individuals so that they can contribute to society and grow
the country’s economy. Human resources can be developed in a number of ways.
■■ Nutrition and health: through investing in farming, encouraging healthy lifestyles and promoting
good nutrition, a country contributes to the health of its people. Governments should provide
primary healthcare, including immunisations, maternal healthcare, healthcare education and care
of older people. It is important for a government to ensure that everyone has access to affordable
secondary healthcare, which focuses on detection, treatment and cure of diseases (e.g. hospitals,
clinics, medical research, treatments, therapies and rehabilitation). Mental healthcare also requires
investment from government. If people are absent from work through illness, this negatively affects
the productivity of a country.
■■ Education: education provides people with skills, knowledge and confidence to carry out a job,
function well in society and fulfil their potential. In the Caribbean there are four stages of basic
education: early childhood, primary, secondary and tertiary. Lack of education is linked to poverty,
lack of opportunity and poor mental health.
■■ Educational institutions: educational institutions include schools, colleges and universities. Special
educational schools provide for children with specific educational needs. In the Caribbean, primary
education is compulsory and free. Many Caribbean countries provide free access to secondary
education. Adult education helps adults obtain skills they did not acquire at school, due to nonattendance or underachievement. It also helps adults obtain specific occupational qualifications.
Some private schools (and tertiary institutions) require students to pay to attend. However, some
institutions offer scholarships. Sometimes, organisations provide scholarships to promising
students. For example, a medical research company may sponsor a person to study medical science
if this person works for the company afterwards.
Sports and Culture
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
The promotion of sports and culture in a country develops individuals on a number of levels:
■■ Health and well-being: individuals learn about the importance of exercise to mental and physical
health. Team sports, music and art can teach cooperation and teamwork.
■■ International recognition: many world-famous sportspeople, singers and writers are Caribbean.
Well-known international figures encourage
tourism and investment.
Test Yourself:
■■ Economic development: sports and culture are
1. Identify FOUR provisions that can
important contributors to tourism in the Caribbean.
protect and develop human resources.
Many visitors come to the Caribbean for festivals or
2. Which area do you feel is most
sporting tournaments. Knowledge in these areas
important for developing human
can lead to employment in the tourism industry.
resources? Give reasons for your choice.
■■ National and international unity: sporting events,
3. List the different types of education
cultural festivals and groups and organisations such
available in your country. Which are
as Carifesta, CARIFTA and the West Indies cricket
free and which are paid for?
team promote regional unity.
38
Section B
Sustainable Development and Use of Resources
Employment, Unemployment
and Underemployment
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Unemployment and underemployment are a problem in every country and are influenced by a
number of factors.
Capital is the amount of money that
Test Yourself: Study the table and answer the questions.
Employment by industry in Barbados, 2015.
Industry
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
Mining and quarrying
3.8
11.6
Construction, manufacturing
9.5
Electricity, gas, steam, water and air
conditioning supply
2.8
Wholesale and retail trade
Skills Demanded Versus
Skills Available
Many people train in a skill that they
know is in demand in their country
to improve their chance of gaining
employment. If a country has more
trained nurses than there are jobs for
nurses, some of these people will be
unemployed or underemployed. Skills
demand in the Caribbean is changing:
production is increasingly managed by
machines while other areas, such as IT,
are growing.
Number employed
(thousand people)
Transportation and storage
Accommodation and food services
19.8
6.2
15.2
Finance and insurance
5.5
Professional, scientific and technical
services
4.4
Administrative and support services
6.6
Public administration and defence
9.3
Education
7.0
Human health and social work
7.4
1.
2.
3.
Source: http://www.barstats.gov.bb/files/documents/LFS_Bulletin_2Q2015.pdf
a company has to spend on developing
and expanding its business. The more
money a company has, the more people
it can employ. The money a government
has to spend on employment and
training schemes will also influence the
number of people in work.
If you lived in Barbados, what industry would you be
most likely to be employed in?
How might this influence your choice of skills training?
Why do you think there are not many people employed in
electricity, gas, steam, water and air conditioning supply?
Markets, Trading Patterns and Preferences
Markets are the potential customers or investors in a product or service. A business must know that
there is a good market for its product or it must create demand through advertising. Trading patterns
and preferences are the patterns of investment in and purchasing of products, businesses, stocks and
shares which affect the growth of businesses. The bigger a business is, the more employment it offers.
Technology
Technology changes quickly and businesses must keep up. Children learn
computer skills at school and many adult education classes teach IT skills.
Businesses must keep up with modern technology.
Remember
Changes in global stock markets
affect business in the Caribbean.
39
Section B
Sustainable Development and Use of Resources
Choosing a Job or
Self-employment
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
People earn money through employment or through being self-employed. When choosing whether to be
employed or self-employed, the benefits and drawbacks of each and chance of success need to be considered.
You should identify where your interests, skills and ambitions lie and recognise what skills are required in
your country. Then research what opportunities are available.
■■ Collecting information on jobs available: newspapers, websites and recruitment agencies all advertise
job vacancies. For hospitality jobs, it can be worthwhile to visit establishments to enquire about
vacancies. Even self-employed people may need to work part-time while they establish their business.
■■ List and assess available options: You may decide that you need to gain further qualifications to
pursue your chosen career or, if you can’t find the right job for you, decide to explore the possibilities
of self-employment.
■■ Thinking through the consequences: before making any decision on whether to apply for a
job, gain further qualifications or training or become self-employed, it is important that you think
through the consequences:
■■ Financial security: will the job pay what I need? How will my ongoing education be funded?
Could I gain skills and qualifications through doing the job? If I am self-employed, how will I
support myself? Where will I obtain the money to set up my business?
■■ Job fulfilment: will I enjoy this job? Is it using my skills and abilities? Is it an area that I am
interested in? Will there be opportunities to develop my career and skills base?
■■ Work–life balance: do the conditions and hours of the job fit with my lifestyle? How many hours a
week will I work? What holiday allowance will I have?
■■ Obtaining resources: when considering a choice of career, you should conduct in-depth research,
e.g. speak to people already doing the job, arrange voluntary work, speak to a careers advisor and
attend careers fairs.
Rights and Responsibilities
of Workers
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
All workers have rights and responsibilities, which are listed on the employer’s charter. When starting a
job, you should sign a contract outlining the agreement made between you and your employer regarding
appraisal periods, working hours, pay, holiday entitlement, health and safety information and a notice
period. You should also receive a job description detailing all the responsibilities of the job.
Some casual work won’t provide a formal job description or contract, but the responsibilities of the job
and agreement over pay, working conditions and holiday should still be agreed in advance.
Trade unions exist to ensure workers receive their rights.
Test Yourself:
1. List some of the rights and responsibilities of an employee. You may need to look back at your
textbook or do some research online.
2. Choose from the list of words to complete these sentences.
(a) When choosing a job you should think about your
, needs and ambitions
(b) Job assessment should consider its financial rewards,
work–life balance and
.
(c) The responsibilities of a job should be listed in a
40
job description
interests
fulfilment
.
Section B
Sustainable Development and Use of Resources
Natural Resources in
the Caribbean
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Natural resources can be renewable or non-renewable. Renewable resources (e.g. trees) are
sustainable and can continue to exist and produce indefinitely. Non-renewable resources (e.g. gold) are
replaceable and will, one day, run out.
Renewable Natural Resources
Although renewable resources can be replaced, it is still important that they are used responsibly so that
the natural environment is protected and the resource is continually available. When trees are cut down
for timber, new trees should be planted. It is also important that some trees are left in an area to provide
drainage and soil cohesion. Below are some examples of how renewable resources can be used sustainably.
Agricultural land: land used for agriculture renews itself between the seasons of planting, growing and
harvesting provided it is given time to rest.
Water: water levels are naturally renewed through rainfall, but this may include periods of drought and
flooding. It is important to conserve water in reservoirs and to use irrigation and rainwater harvesting
equipment so that water is available for drinking and agriculture. Water sources (rivers and lakes) should
be protected as they provide a natural source of water to plants and livestock.
Forests: trees provide timber, fuel and paper, food,
rubber and components used in medicine. Trees
are vital for a healthy atmosphere as they filter the
air, prevent soil degradation and landslides and
provide a habitat for wildlife and destinations for
tourists. Trees are renewable but are not being
replanted as quickly as they are being cut down.
The Forestry Commission aims to prevent further
deforestation across the Caribbean.
Trees provide us with many resources
Beaches and marine life: are a vital part of the tourist industry. Beaches provide a buffer zone between
the sea and developed land, a natural habitat for marine animals and sand for construction. Oceans
provide work and food as well as producing half the oxygen we breathe. Both need to be protected from
pollution.
Solar energy: provides a natural, renewable source of heat and energy using energy from the sun. Solar
systems are expensive to set up and are dependent on sunlight. Solar water heaters are very common
in the Caribbean for homes and businesses. Solar panels (PV systems) that produce electricity are less
common, although they are increasing.
Wind power: can be used to generate electricity through wind turbines. Increasingly, wind turbines
are being used as a means of generating renewable, environmentally-friendly power. Wind farms are
becoming more common in the Caribbean.
41
Sustainable Development and Use of Resources
Section B
Non-renewable
Natural Resources
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Non-renewable resources include mineral resources used for manufacturing and energy production.
Petroleum: is produced using crude oil extracted from the ground and used as fuel for motor vehicles.
Given the pollution caused by burning oil and its limited supply, people are developing alternative
power sources. Petroleum is produced in Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Belize.
Bauxite: is mined and processed to create aluminium, a metal used to make all sorts of items. Bauxite is
mined in Guyana and Jamaica.
Gold and diamonds: are mined and used for jewellery, artefacts and industrial tools. They are mined
mainly in Guyana.
Other minerals: e.g. asphalt, marble, limestone and iron are also mined and manufactured in the Caribbean.
These minerals are used in roads and construction (e.g. cement, flooring) and in car manufacturing.
Geothermal energy: this is energy produced through the natural heat contained in the earth.
Geothermal reservoirs are accessed through a well and the hot water or steam extracted releases energy.
Although
it is expensive
it has the advantage of not being dependent on weather conditions
Geothermal
energy
is createdto
byharness,
pumping
cold water
through
cracks
in
hot
rocks.
and not releasing damaging gases into the atmosphere. The Caribbean is a rich source of geothermal
The hot water and steam this creates can
energy
developments
be used
as a and
source
of energy. are taking place in Guadeloupe and Dominica.
Power
station
Generating
station
Cold water
pumped down
Test Yourself: Label the products in the illustration that
use or are made from non-renewable resources.
Steam and
hot water
Cracks in hot rocks
Geothermal energy is created by pumping
cold water through cracks in hot rocks.
The hot water and steam this creates can
be used as a source of energy.
Power
station
Generating
station
42
Cold water
pumped down
CSEC Social Studies RG book.indb 42
Steam and
hot water
27/09/2016 09:55
Section B
Sustainable Development and Use of Resources
Sustainable Development
and Natural Resources
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Caring for our world and protecting its resources is called conservation.
Land
Over-cropping and not giving soil a chance to regenerate leads to soil degeneration and increased
risk of disease which can damage crop production leading to food shortages. Grazing land should be
protected to rear livestock. Good farming practices, e.g. crop rotation, irrigation, protecting trees and
avoiding use of heavy chemicals, promotes food security.
Atmosphere
Burning oil and gas to produce
energy releases harmful gases
into the air. If these are managed
properly, they will not cause
lasting damage. However, since
the industrial revolution, high
levels of pollutants have been
released into the atmosphere,
causing pollution and global
warming. This impacts on people’s
health and the global climate,
leading to droughts and floods.
Sun
Reflected back
to space
Reradiated
into space
Infrared radiation (heat) radiated back
towards space absorbed by ‘greenhouse gases’
Incoming solar
radiation
(ultraviolet,
visible and
infrared)
Atmosphere
Atmosphere heated
– raising Earth's
temperature
Reflection
from clouds
Earth
Pollution traps heat inside the earth
causing global temperatures to rise
Water
Agricultural and industrial waste deposited in rivers and seas pollutes the water supply and damages
marine wildlife as well as livestock that drink the water. Polluted water supplies can also infiltrate crops,
causing disease and death, and affecting food security and people’s livelihoods. Beaches and the ocean
are an essential part of the fishing and tourist industries and should be conserved. Over-fishing or illegal
fishing damages fish supply. Organisations such as the Caribbean Environment Programme and C-CAM
protect and conserve the Caribbean coastline.
Test Yourself:
1. Explain the difference between renewable and non-renewable natural resources.
2. What do solar, wind and geothermal energy have in common?
3.
Choose ONE non-renewable resource and state where in the Caribbean it is found and what it is used for.
43
Sustainable Development and Use of Resources
Section B
Unit
2
Regional Integration
Concept Map
Factors that
promote and hinder
regional integration
Benefits
of regional
integration
Functions and
objectives of groups promoting
regional integration
INTEGRATION
Role of individuals,
business and government
in integration
Groups and
organisations promoting
integration
Role of regional
agencies in integration
Challenges facing the
Caribbean region
Self Check
Tick the box that shows how confident you feel
I can describe how regional integration
addresses challenges facing
the Caribbean.
I can outline the major stages in
integration.
I can outline functions and objectives of
organisations and some agreements that
promote integration.
I can outline factors that promote and
hinder regional integration.
I can examine the role of individuals,
organisations, government and
agencies in the integration process.
44
Yes
Maybe
No
Section B
Sustainable Development and Use of Resources
Challenges Facing
the Caribbean
■■
■■
■■
■■
■■
■■
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Size: the Caribbean is made up of many developing or underdeveloped countries. These countries
are small in relation to land area, population and economy, making it difficult for individual countries
to compete in world markets that have opened up due to trade liberalisation. The
governments of small countries struggle to provide all the resources the country needs.
Lack of diversification in skills and exports: some Caribbean islands are limited by their natural
resources or industries, with the main source of income for some countries coming from trading only
one or two major products, or tourism. This makes these countries vulnerable to changes in supply
and demand. Many of the agricultural products that the Caribbean
Problems in one area can
create issues in others
trades (e.g. bananas, sugar) have a low export value. There is also
a lack of skilled workers and diversity of skills in the region, making it
Bananas are a major export
in the Dominican Republic
hard for countries to increase productivity and develop their economy.
High levels of debt and unemployment: since the Caribbean has
Fungus affects bananas in the
a high debt burden, it is difficult for countries to invest money in
north-west of the country
development, education or employment. As a result, there are high
levels of unemployment and underemployment, leading to poverty
Income from the banana trade falls,
affecting the country’s economy
and low levels of production which, in turn, keep countries poor.
International trade: the Caribbean imports dairy products, technology
Marcel, a banana farmer in Castañuelas,
and vehicles at a high cost as the infrastructure does not exist to produce
cannot afford to send his children to school
these products locally. Since the Caribbean is largely made up of islands,
the cost of transporting these products is high. At the same time, due to
Marcel’s children are more likely to be
challenges of size, location and development, it is difficult for Caribbean
unemployed or underemployed
countries to compete with larger, more developed countries in world
A shortage of skilled workers and high
markets. Trade liberalisation means that small Caribbean countries
unemployment means income tax falls
compete for trade against developed nations such as America and India.
Inadequate technology: often, governments do not have the
The Dominican Republic has less
investment or facilities for development, so the technology used is
money to invest in services
often inferior to that used in more developed countries. This makes
it hard for the region to produce goods and services to the same
Quality of life deteriorates
standard and timescale as other nations.
Vulnerability to natural disasters: our region is vulnerable to
extreme weather conditions (hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, drought). As well as damaging
property, public places and businesses (which are costly to repair), natural disasters may deter
businesses from investing in the region.
Test Yourself: Categorise the challenges the Caribbean faces under these headings:
Social, Trade/Economic or Natural. Some challenges may appear in more than one column.
Revision Tip: Look at newspapers for specific examples of how these issues affect your country.
45
Section B
Sustainable Development and Use of Resources
Benefits of
Regional Integration
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Many challenges faced by the Caribbean can be improved by countries integrating to share their
resources and skills and improve their trading power. Integration has a number of benefits.
Increased Market Size
When countries unite, they have more power to demand better prices for their goods, can pool human
and economic resources to invest in production, and increase the quantity and quality of their products.
Better Response to Globalisation and Trade Liberalisation
Having stronger and more diverse market economies means that countries are less vulnerable
to global changes in prices and demand for products. Globalisation and trade liberalisation open
up trade across the world. Through integration, Caribbean countries have more power and influence on
the world market, and can subsidise each other: when one export from the Caribbean is doing badly, it
can be subsidised by another product that is doing well. Increased production allows countries to reduce
running costs and charge more competitive prices.
Expansion of Trade
Regional integration expands areas of trade:
■■ within the Caribbean: countries can trade across the whole region
■■ internationally: Caribbean countries can trade across the world.
Free Movement of Goods, Labour
and Capital
Some benefits of regional integration
Integration makes it easier for citizens, goods and money
to travel between member states, improving trade and
skills distribution, and therefore employment.
Reduction in Employment
and Underemployment
As a result of improved trade, cheaper running costs
and better investment, more people can be employed,
reducing unemployment and underemployment.
46
Reduced
unemployment
Reduced
inequality
Less
vulnerability
Better
economies
Increased
cooperation
Trade expansion and
free movement
Sustainable Development and Use of Resources
Section B
Reduction in Inequality of Wealth Distribution
As unemployment decreases, so does the gap between rich and poor. Better economies resulting from
regional integration mean governments can spend more on providing services, such as healthcare and
education, to help reduce inequality.
Increased Cooperation among Member States
Regional integration leads to better cooperation and
relations between member states as countries see the
benefits of their combined efforts.
Test Yourself: Fill in the gaps in the flow chart on
the right, using the words listed below.
underemployment
Increased market size –
countries are economically stronger together
Better response to _________________ and
trade liberalisation –
stronger economy means countries can compete
on the world market (internationally)
increased cooperation
unemployment
Expansion of trade –
trading area
trading internationally, as well as internally,
increases the Caribbean’s _______________ __________
economy
globalisation
goods, labour and money
Free movement –
reduction in inequality
opening up trade areas makes it easier for _________,
____________ and ______________ to travel between states
Revision Tip: Many of the benefits of regional
integration are linked. Copy out the flow chart, then
try drawing it from memory. Eventually, each benefit
should trigger the next in your mind.
Reduction in ________________________
and ____________________ –
free movement between countries improves skills
distribution and opportunity, increasing employment
and improving a country’s _______________
_________________________ _______
________________________ –
as economies improve, so does quality of life,
leading to more equal wealth
__________________ _______________ –
as member countries see the benefits of their
combined efforts, they cooperate more
47
Section B
Sustainable Development and Use of Resources
The Integration Movement
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Regional integration across the Caribbean is constantly evolving as it adapts and responds to challenges
and opportunities.
West Indies Federation (WIF)
■■
■■
■■
■■
■■
Established by the British Caribbean Federation Act in 1958.
Aimed to achieve greater independence from Britain and improve economic and social conditions.
Developed the University College of the West Indies (now UWI) and established the West Indies
Shipping Service.
Member countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Jamaica, Grenada, St Kitts-NevisAnguilla, Montserrat, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago.
Did not fulfil its potential due to lack of interaction and cooperation between member countries and
collapsed in 1962.
Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) and
the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
■■
■■
■■
■■
■■
■■
CARIFTA was the predecessor to CARICOM.
Formed in 1965 between Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago.
This trade bloc established free trade agreements allowing member states to trade freely
with each other and internationally.
In 1968, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines,
Montserrat and Jamaica joined CARICOM, with Belize joining in 1971.
CARIFTA became CARICOM in 1973.
Treaty of Chaguaramas, July 4, 1973 in Chaguaramas, Trinidad and Tobago established formal
agreements between member countries (multilateral agreements). The Treaty was
revised in 2001 to incorporate the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).
The CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME)
■■
■■
■■
Intended to strengthen trade and economy following trade liberalisation and globalisation.
Aims to coordinate member countries’ monetary and fiscal policies, along with
common laws.
Remember
Being implemented in two stages:
You should be able to state some
■■ the Single Market (CSM) was established in 2006
of the objectives of each of these
■■ the Single Economy (CSE) still to follow.
organisations. If you don’t know
them, look them up.
The Regional Development Fund
Some Caribbean countries may not benefit from a single market if production, trade and skills move
out of their country to other CARICOM states. The Regional Development Fund was established to help
countries whose economies suffer as a result of integration.
48
Sustainable Development and Use of Resources
Section B
Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)
■■
■■
■■
■■
Group of Least Developed Countries (LDC) in the commonwealth Caribbean.
Cooperate to increase political influence and stability and improve their economies.
Formed in 1981 following the signing of the Treaty of Basseterre.
Members: Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Montserrat, Dominica, St Vincent and the Grenadines,
Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis and St Lucia. Many of these countries are also
members of other regional groupings.
Association of Caribbean States (ACS)
■■
■■
■■
■■
Different from other regional groupings as it also includes Latin American countries.
Established in 1994 when a treaty was signed in Cartagena de Indias, Columbia.
Caribbean member states include: Dominica, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda,
Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, Belize, The Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, Suriname, Guyana,
Trinidad and Tobago and Haiti. Associate members are Aruba, Curacao, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Sint
Maarten, Turks and Caicos Islands, France and The Netherlands.
Objectives of the association are to:
■■ promote economic integration between member countries
■■ improve cooperation and development across the region.
Test Yourself:
1. Which of the following countries were NOT part of the West Indies Federation?
Barbados Haiti St Lucia
St Vincent and Grenadines Guyana
2. In what year was CARIFTA formed and in what year did it become CARICOM?
3. The signing of which treaty led to the OECS?
4. How is the ACS different from other Caribbean groupings?
Map showing countries’ membership of different regional groups
The Bahamas
Haiti
BELIZE
West Indies
Federation
CARICOM
CSME
Jamaica
British
Virgin
Islands
Anguilla
Antigua
and Barbuda
St Kitts
Dominica
-Nevis
-Anguilla
Montserrat St Lucia
Barbados
St Vincent and
the
Grenadines
Grenada
Trinidad and
Tobago
OECS
Association of
Caribbean States
GUYANA
SURINAME
49
Sustainable Development and Use of Resources
Section B
Regional Secretariats
and Conferences
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
The OECS and CARICOM require the input of many personnel and departments to manage their different
areas. The offices responsible for the administration and secretarial affairs of these organisations are
called secretariats.
OECS Secretariat
■■
■■
■■
■■
■■
Located in St Lucia and managed by the Director General.
Organised into four divisions:
1. Division of the Office of the Director General
2. Social and Sustainable Development Division
3. Corporate Services Division
4. Economic Affairs Division.
Works closely with the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
Secretariat, and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).
Supports and enables the OECS to achieve regional integration, cooperation and improved
development.
Oversees the work of specialised institutions, work units or projects in member countries.
CARICOM Secretariat
■■
■■
■■
Headquarters in Guyana.
Headed by the Secretary General, who is also Chief Executive Officer of the CARICOM community.
Executive management made up of four directorates and four executive offices.
The structure of the CARICOM secretariat
Secretary General
(also the Chief Executive Officer of CARICOM)
Executive Management
The directorate
of Foreign
and Community
Relations
Office of the
Secretary General
50
Office of the
Deputy Secretary
General
The directorate
of Human
and Social
Development
The directorate
of Trade and
Economic
Integration
Office of the
General Council
The directorate of the
Caribbean Forum of African,
Caribbean and Pacific States
(CARIFORUM)
Office of Trade
Negotiations
Section B
Sustainable Development and Use of Resources
The Conference of
Heads of Government
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
This conference occurs twice a year and brings together heads of government or their representatives
from CARICOM member states. During these conferences, decisions are made and policies agreed which
the CARICOM secretariat will action. Any decisions made at these conferences must
reflect the agreements (treaties) signed by member states.
Remember
You should be able to state some
Specific functions of the conference are to:
of the objectives of the CARICOM
secretariat. If you don’t know
■■ reach agreement on treaties on behalf of the Caribbean Community and
them, look them up.
enter into relationships with international organisations and states
■■ make decisions regarding how the expenses of CARICOM activities and
projects are met
■■ establish units, offices or posts necessary to achieve objectives
■■ issue policy directives to bodies within the community in order to achieve objectives
■■ consider and resolve disputes between member states
■■ appoint the Secretary General of the CARICOM secretariat.
Test Yourself:
1. Define these terms:
secretariat
budget
treaties
2. In what countries are the OECS and CARICOM secretariats based?
3.
Why do you think secretariats are formed into divisions?
51
Section B
Sustainable Development and Use of Resources
Factors that Promote
Regional Integration
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Common Cultural Heritage
Although each Caribbean state has its own unique culture and diversity, much cultural history and
heritage is shared across the region.
Common Economic and Social Issues
Challenges to the economy as a result of size, underdevelopment and high unemployment are common
across Caribbean countries. There are also many similarities in social issues faced, such as teenage
pregnancy, high illiteracy and substance abuse. These challenges can be tackled most effectively by
joining resources and finances together.
Effects of Globalisation, Trade Liberalisation and Trading Blocs
As all Caribbean countries are affected by these trading issues and can’t tackle them alone, it makes
sense to integrate their responses and form a stronger world presence as a result.
Vulnerability to Economic Shocks and Natural Disasters
Countries are stronger when they support each other during times of hardship. An example of this is
Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines working together to improve disaster preparedness in their
countries following the devastation caused by Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and Hurricane Tomas in 2010.
Organisations such as The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and the Eastern
Caribbean Donor Group are examples of how the region integrates its disaster response.
Test Yourself:
1. Give an example of how Caribbean states might work together to tackle a social issue. What
conflicts might arise during this integrated response?
2. Define globalisation, trade liberalisation and trading blocs.
Revision Tip: If you get stuck, look up the terms in the glossary and then describe them in your
own words.
52
Sustainable Development and Use of Resources
Section B
Factors that Hinder
Regional Integration
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Geography of Region
Caribbean countries are islands, which poses logistical challenges. Boat or air travel to reach other
member states can be costly, particularly when transporting goods between countries.
Absence of Common Model or Strategy for Development
For regional integration to be successful, strategies and models for development need to be agreed and
supported across all countries. Currently there is variation between how countries approach issues and
to what extent different countries adopt policies and agree strategies.
Differences in Resources, Growth and Development
Part of the reason why some countries adopt models and strategies more successfully than others is that
they have increased and better developed resources. Unequal distribution of resources can lead to
conflict, as less developed countries feel at a disadvantage and more developed countries may feel that
they are subsidising weaker countries.
Test Yourself: Look at the table and answer the questions.
1.
Country
Naturally-occurring resources
Guyana
bauxite, gold, diamonds, timber, shrimp, fish
Dominican Republic
nickel, bauxite, gold, silver, arable land
Jamaica
bauxite, gypsum, limestone
The Bahamas
salt, aragonite, timber, arable land
St Kitts and Nevis
arable land
St Vincent and the Grenadines
hydropower, arable land
Which countries have the MOST and the LEAST natural resources?
2. Which have the MOST valuable natural resources?
3.
How could this affect regional integration?
Competition for Location of Industries
There can be conflict between countries over decisions about where shared projects or important
industries should be located. Some countries’ governments offer incentives such as free trade to
encourage foreign industries to invest.
53
Section B
Sustainable Development and Use of Resources
Conflict Between Territorial and Regional Demands and Loyalties
Governments have a duty to protect the interests of their country. Sometimes this means that
governments prioritise their development ahead of the region’s development.
Absence of a Common Currency
A common currency could bring many direct and indirect benefits to the Caribbean region. However, at
present only eight Caribbean states use the Eastern Caribbean dollar.
Test Yourself: Sort the following benefits of a single common currency under the headings of
direct and indirect benefits to member countries:
■■
■■
■■
■■
■■
■■
■■
■■
■■
■■
reduced transaction costs between member countries
financial savings for citizens of member countries
no need to exchange currency between countries
a more stable exchange rate
stronger economies
more investment in the region as a result of stronger economies
easier to compare costs of goods and services across member countries (greater transparency)
improved trade across the region and internationally
easier movement across different countries
greater regional identity
Lack of Diversification in Production
Shared physical resources and similarities
in manufacturing, services and production
may mean that Caribbean countries
compete against each other rather than
working together.
Influence of Multinational
Corporations (MNCs)
The dominance of powerful multinational
corporations makes it hard for smaller,
regional agencies to compete. Local
economies do not benefit from MNCs as
much as they should, as most of the profit
stays in the company.
54
Section B
Sustainable Development and Use of Resources
Reviewed
Role of Citizens, Business
and Government in Integration
Revised
Mastered
Citizens
Citizens can promote regional integration and development by buying local goods and services, setting
up local businesses (entrepreneurship), supporting and respecting fellow Caribbean citizens and
investing in local and regional businesses.
Businesses
Businesses need to ensure that their product or service is high-quality, reasonably priced and reliable.
They also need to minimise their costs. Competitiveness creates strong businesses which are more likely
to succeed on the global market. The more businesses there are in a country, the better the range and
quality of goods and services available to the public. Businesses create opportunities for investment
and employment in the region, which benefits development. The bigger a business becomes, the more
people it will employ across the Caribbean.
Government
Governments have a role to educate citizens about the objectives and benefits of regional integration.
They can also issue enabling legislation (laws giving rights and power to groups such as cross regional
organisations) which encourages integration. It is important for governments to agree on harmonised
policies to ensure that businesses all work to the same standards. This reduces bureaucracy and
strengthens trade. Governments contribute to integration by honouring protocols made with other
countries, such as the COTED protocol, which led to the establishment of the Caribbean Development
Fund (CDF).
Test Yourself:
1. Give THREE practical examples of how you can support regional integration.
2. How could governments educate their citizens about regional integration?
3.
Can you think of ONE organisation that may be granted enabling legislation by government
(think back to the organisations and groupings you have learned about)?
55
Section B
Sustainable Development and Use of Resources
Role of Regional Agencies
in Integration
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Organisations, groups and agreements such as CARICOM, OECS and CSME depend on various agencies
to oversee and carry out the day-to-day working of regional integration. Such agencies cover every area
of Caribbean life from media and arts to health and security.
Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute
The Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) promotes and develops
agriculture across the Caribbean community. It does this by carrying out scientific research and
development and providing information and technical assistance to individuals and businesses. CARDI is
based at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago.
Sporting Partnerships
The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and the Confederation of North, Central American and
Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) promote and develop sporting partnerships across the
Caribbean and other parts of the world.
OECS Sports Desk
The OECS Sports Desk promoted and developed sports across the OECS region through providing
administrative, financial and promotional support to schools and training institutions, as well as to
national and regional championships and initiatives in member states. The Sports Desk has been inactive
for some years and the Association of National Olympic Committees of the OECS (ANOCES) is now
taking over some of its work.
Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA)
The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) was formed in July 2011 to incorporate the following
Caribbean Regional Health Institutions (RHIs):
■■ Caribbean Environmental and Health Institute (CEHI)
■■ Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC)
■■ Caribbean Food and Nutrition Institute (CFNI)
■■ Caribbean Regional Drug Testing Laboratory (CRDTL)
■■ Caribbean Health Research Council (CHRC).
CARPHA exists to improve the health of people and the environment across the Caribbean region by
assisting countries to advance in scientific research, sustainable development and healthcare provision.
Caribbean Disaster Emergency
Management Agency (CDEMA)
The CDEMA both responds to and mitigates disasters across
the Caribbean. It began in 1991 as the Caribbean Disaster
Emergency Response Agency and developed into CDEMA
in 2009 to incorporate all the principles and practice of
Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM).
56
The six components of Comprehensive
Disaster Management
Disaster
prevention
Mitigation
(limiting effects)
Response
Preparedness
Recovery
Rehabilitation
Section B
Sustainable Development and Use of Resources
Caribbean Media Company
The Caribbean Media Company (CMC) is dedicated to developing media and communication across
the Caribbean, including radio, television, print, satellite and new media.
University of the West Indies
The University of the West Indies (UWI) has campuses across various CARICOM countries offering
education and training at tertiary level. It carries out research and development in many areas affecting
Caribbean life. The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) is responsible for setting syllabuses and
exams and for awarding certificates and diplomas across member countries. In addition, it regulates and
develops teaching and conducts research into education across the region.
Caribbean Court of Justice
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) replaced the Privy Council as the final court of appeal for
CARICOM member countries. The CCJ defends agreements made under the Treaty of Chaguaramas and
settles disputes between CARICOM member countries.
Regional Security System
The Regional Security System (RSS) is a security force made up of police and military from across
member countries of the OECS. It aims to bring stability and security to the region through law
enforcement and by responding to incidents across the region. The RSS also responds to natural
disasters and works with the USA and Canada to prevent drug trading.
Test Yourself:
1. Read the situations and state the agency that would be best equipped to deal with them:
an attempted coup and subsequent rioting in a CARICOM country
an international football tournament that needed promotion
■■ an outbreak of Ebola on a small Caribbean island
■■ a dispute between two CARICOM countries regarding trade regulations.
Write one-sentence summaries describing the function of the following agencies: CARDI, WICB,
CMC and CXC.
■■
■■
2.
Revision Tip:
■■
■■
By learning what the different acronyms of regional agencies stand for, you’ll also be learning
what they do, as the names of the agencies describe their functions.
Knowing one or two specific examples of when a regional agency has benefited integration
may be useful in your exam.
57
Section B
Sustainable Development and Use of Resources
Test Questions for Section B
1. Which of the following terms do NOT relate to
studies of human population?
(a) death rate
(b) dependency ratio
(c) non-renewable
(d) net migration
5. Which of the following are NOT examples of
regional integration?
(a) trade liberalisation
(b) lack of diversification
(c) common market
(d) multilateral agreements
2.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
6. CARICOM grew from which integration movement?
(a) ACS
(b) CSME
(c) OECS
(d) CARIFTA
Push and pull factors describe the:
benefits and drawbacks of migration
circumstances that encourage people to migrate
contributors to economic development in a country
factors that influence employment in a country
3. Which of the following are NOT renewable
resources?
(a) solar energy
(b) geothermal energy
(c) wind power
(d) water
4. Which of the following are NOT examples of
conservation?
(a) soil rotation
(b) replanting trees
(c) rainwater harvesting
(d) over-cropping
7. Which of the following is NOT an objective of OECS
and CARICOM?
(a) to integrate the economies of member states
(b) to harmonise foreign policy
(c) to encourage cooperation between member
countries
(d) to coordinate member countries’ monetary and
fiscal policies
8. A trading bloc is:
(a) a trade restriction placed on a product or service
(b) a group of two or more member states that trade
together under agreed trading policies
(c) a refusal by one country to trade with another
(d) the term used to describe barriers to international
trade
Structured Questions
1. Angela’s favourite subject at school was history, and she knew that tourism was the biggest employer in
her country. Realising that she could combine interests with a job in this industry, Angela became a selfemployed tours guide. At first, she also worked as a waitress for extra income but as she became busier
worked full time as a guide. She had to employ another tour operator to keep up with demand.
(a) What considerations led to Angela’s choice of career?
(b) What research might Angela have conducted before launching her tours?
(c) What skills does Angela need in order to run her own business and conduct tours?
(d) What risks is Angela taking by choosing to be self-employed?
2. Write a short letter to the government of your country outlining ways in which they might reduce rural–urban
migration and why this would benefit both rural and urban areas.
3. The fishing industry on the island is growing as more tourists visit, in turn increasing employment. However,
many people are using improper fishing practices, resulting in decreasing fish stocks. Beaches and seawater
are also becoming polluted.
(a) What are the short-term benefits of more persons earning money through fishing?
(b) How might over-fishing and pollution affect the economy in the long term?
(c) What policies could be put in place to protect the fishing and tourist industries?
4. Outline ONE way to contribute to regional integration as a citizen:
5. Do you think that regional integration and national identity can exist together? Why or why not?
58
Options
Section C
Unit
1
Communication
Concept Map
Causes of breakdown
in communication
Influences on
communication
Regional
media
FORMS OF
COMMUNICATION
IN THE CARIBBEAN
Ownership and
control of mass media
How communications
technology helps promote
regional integration
How global media
affects Caribbean culture
and development
Global
media
Regulation of the media
How regional media
helps promote
integration
Transmission of cultural
heritage in the Caribbean
Protection of creative works
Self Check
Tick the box that shows how confident you feel
Yes
Maybe
No
I can explain concepts and terms
associated with communication.
I can describe forms of communication
and explain the factors that
influence them.
I can describe factors that lead to
breakdown in communication.
I can describe how media and
communications technology promote
regional integration.
I can recognise how global media affects
culture and development.
I can analyse the effects of ownership
and control of media.
I can evaluate how cultural heritage is
transmitted and transformed.
I can explain why media regulation is
needed and how it works.
I can describe how creative works
are protected.
59
Options
Section C
What Is Communication?
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
The process of communication
Communication describes a message, idea, emotion or feeling that
is transmitted from one person or group of people to others. For
Sender
communication to work there must be a sender (transmitter), a receiver
(recipient) and a message. The means of communicating is called the
Message
(verbal or
Feedback
medium, channel or mode of communication. The collective form for
non-verbal)
medium is media.
Receiver
Verbal Communication
Communication that involves the transmission of words is verbal communication. Words can be spoken,
written down, acted out, sung, emailed or texted (SMS).
Non-verbal Communication
Facial expressions, gestures and posture communicate a message about how someone is feeling or
thinking. Other visual information is more deliberate, for example pictorial street signs, hand signals and
creative communication such as paintings, pictograms and mime. Sudden outbursts of emotion such as
screams and groans are also non-verbal communication.
Forms and Media of Communication
As technology has improved and become more widespread, many people use email or telephones to
communicate when previously they may have sent letters. Mass media (ways of communicating with
lots of people in a short time) has also grown and become more accessible with the development of
the internet. In recent years, social media has grown into a huge industry. Websites such as Facebook,
Twitter and YouTube allow anyone in the world to communicate with anyone else.
Test Yourself:
1. Label the different mediums of
2.
3.
60
communication in the picture. Two
have been done for you.
Can you think of any other modes
of communication NOT included in
the picture?
Give THREE examples of verbal and
non-verbal communication (try to
ensure that at least one is different
to those given above).
Computer
Radio
Options
Section C
Factors Influencing
Communication
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
With somebody standing next to you, communication is easy and the mode of communication will
almost always be speech, although facial expressions, tone of voice and body language will also be
communicating a message. When a person is far away from you, communication may be dependent on
technology or the service of others. The medium of communication that a person uses will depend on
various factors.
■■
■■
■■
Geographical: natural factors (distance, climate, rivers, mountains, sea) impact on communication.
Formerly, they would prevent people from communicating, but communication across long
distances and natural obstacles is now possible through technology and satellites using cell phones
and computers. Technological improvements mean the world is becoming more connected.
However, not everyone has access to these services and even
these have limitations. Some rural communities are isolated
Test Yourself: Write short
so signals cannot reach them. Other options for long distance
definitions for telex, facsimile,
communication are telex, fax, telephones or telegraph, although
telephones and telegraph,
these depend on both the sender and receiver having the right
outlining the similarities and
equipment. The postal service is mostly reliable and doesn’t
differences between them.
depend on expensive equipment but is slow. Couriers deliver
messages, letters and parcels, although this can be expensive.
Socio-cultural: language, culture, social status and religious beliefs influence the type of media a
person uses. The predominant language used on television, radio and websites is English, though
programmes and websites are available in other major languages and dialects. Certain genres of
film and television, e.g. Bollywood, have grown out of demand from particular cultural groups but
are popular worldwide. Businesspeople communicate globally using computers and smartphones.
Young people tend to use smartphones and tablets for leisure, entertainment and communication
more than older generations. Belief, customs and religion can affect the forms of media and
communication that people use; some religious groups choose not to use modern technology.
However, many use mass media to communicate their faith and with their followers.
Technological: communications technology is constantly advancing, with newer, faster and more
powerful versions of smartphones, tablets and computers. Televisions can transmit 3D images and
computer games are increasingly realistic. Technological advances allow people to stay in touch
via free video calls over the Internet or by email. They also mean that individuals, countries and
governments can communicate information and access resources quickly and easily. Almost all forms
of media are now digital. But new technology is expensive. Elderly people and people on low incomes
may struggle to keep up. Large amounts of energy are used to power technology, increasing pollution.
Test Yourself:
1. What form of media might the following people use? Give reasons for your choice.
A young person in an urban area completing a business studies course
■■ An elderly person living in a rural area who wants to use media for entertainment
■■ A mother working part-time from home, needing to communicate with colleagues.
List some benefits and drawbacks of technological advances.
■■
2.
61
Options
Section C
Breakdowns in
Communication
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Good communication depends on the sender communicating their message clearly and the receiver
interpreting the information appropriately. The medium that is carrying the message must also be
reliable. When any one of these areas fails, there is a breakdown in communication. These areas of
communication can fail for a variety of reasons.
Test Yourself: Match the following breakdowns in communication to the causes below (they
may have more than one).
1.
A girl leaves her grandmother a note explaining why she will be late home that evening.
However, her grandmother doesn’t understand the slang and patois used to convey
the message.
2. A homeless man tries to tell a woman that she has dropped her wallet. The woman presumes
the homeless man is asking for money and walks on without listening or responding.
3.
An office worker emails an office administrator with a stationery order. However, due to an
ongoing conflict between two administrators about who deals with stationery orders, the
email is not actioned.
4. A mother leaves a voicemail on her daughter’s cell phone to ask her to come over as she
doesn’t feel well. However, the mother often phones her daughter and exaggerates problems
so that her daughter will visit. The daughter is busy with work and decides to ignore
the message.
5. A boy texts his friend to ask him to meet him at 2pm at the coffee shop. However, his friend
never arrives as he didn’t receive the text message.
age/gender differences
prejudice
status
unresolved conflict
mistrust
62
strained relationship
stress
failure of equipment
lack of clear communication
Options
Section C
How Mass Media Promotes
Regional Integration
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Mass media describes newspapers, magazines, websites and television and radio programmes
that communicate simultaneously with large numbers of people. The mass media has a role to inform,
educate and entertain. Due to its ability to reach many people at once, the mass media can also promote
regional integration.
Radio and Television
Television and radio stations keep people informed of news stories and weather warnings. They can
also educate through broadcasting documentaries, information and entertainment programmes that
can be watched by people across the region. Through jointly produced programmes, media companies
can reduce their costs while still producing high-quality programming. Programmes that invite callers
to phone or write in promote regional integration through allowing people from different Caribbean
regions to communicate.
Printed Press
Printed and online newspapers and magazines may be national (Caribbean360), regional (Antigua
Observer) or international (Caribbean National Weekly). They contain news, stories and articles of interest
to Caribbean communities. Online publications are accessible to people from different countries and
allow readers to communicate with each other through sharing views and comments.
Regional News Agencies
Some large media companies have journalists and correspondents across the country who report
on breaking news in their area. Other, smaller media companies may rely on international news
agencies such as Reuters and Associated Press for news stories. In the Caribbean, the Caribbean Media
Corporation runs CANA, a Caribbean-wide news agency.
Information Departments
Government information departments provide information about their country to citizens and visitors.
In this way, information departments promote regional integration by communicating information
across the Caribbean region.
Revision Tip: Familiarise yourself with two or three regional newspapers, websites, television or
radio stations. Note how they promote regional integration.
Test Yourself: What kind of information might a government information department provide? If
you’re not sure, look up your country’s government information service online.
63
Options
Section C
How Communications
Technology Promotes
Regional Integration
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Communications technology in the form of cell phones, the internet, email, telecommunications,
pagers and electronic transfers has made it easier than ever for people to communicate and conduct
business across geographical areas.
Cell phones
• Allow people to communicate with others wherever they are
• Can be used to access the internet and email as well as
telephone
• Allow people to conduct business on the move
• Provide vital communication links in emergencies
Internet and email
• Provide instant information on almost any topic
• Allow people to learn and earn qualifications from home
• Allow people to access websites, companies and organisations
from across the world
• Allow news and important information to be shared across the
world
• Develop business and trade through enabling people to buy
and sell online
• Enable communication through video calls
• Enable instant communication via email including the
transfer of documents, images, audio and video files
Telecommunications
networks
• Allow information to be sent long distances electronically via
transmitters and receivers
• Can use cable, optical fibre or electromagnetic fields (wireless)
• Enable the transmission of television, radio, Internet and
telephone signals
• Connect remote, rural areas to the rest of a country or region
• Allow countries to share information and expertise to
aid development
Electronic funds
transfers (EFT)
• Allow people to make purchases over the Internet using
bank cards
• Make paying for goods and services easier and more secure
• Allow employers to pay wages directly into employees’
bank accounts
• Enable people to manage their finances online
• Mean that people can pay bills conveniently, quickly and easily
64
Options
Section C
How Global Media Affects
Caribbean Culture
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
The mass media opens up the world: bringing images, information and culture from different countries
into the Caribbean as well as transmitting Caribbean culture, values and programming out. There are
benefits and drawbacks to the ease and extent to which the mass media can connect the world.
Challenges Presented by Global Media
Perceptions: views and lifestyles presented by the global media may be different to those held by some
Caribbean people. Encountering different perceptions and ways of life can be confusing or unsettling
and may negatively influence how people view their own life and society.
Attitudes, values and behaviour: there has always been debate around how far media influences
behaviour. Some people feel that displays of violence, promiscuity and irresponsible behaviour on global
media may encourage similar behaviour in viewers.
Identity: media programming from other countries can threaten the traditional values, culture and identity
of Caribbean life as people model the behaviour they see in TV programmes. This is seen particularly in
young people in the Caribbean who are attracted to American culture, dress, music and food.
Nationalism and regionalism: some people feel that pride and development of the Caribbean region are
threatened by global media, with programming from around the world drawing people to look towards
other countries and cultures rather than being proud of and contributing to their own culture and region.
Freedom of expression: while it is positive that anyone now can express themselves across the world
using global media, this also carries a challenge. Problems of grooming (befriending someone to murder
or sexually assault them) and radicalisation (persuading people to adopt radical, harmful views) are
increasing through the use of the internet.
Creativity: imported programming from rich countries that is more varied and developed than local
programming can limit Caribbean media. Advertisers and sponsors may support popular mass media
programming from overseas rather than home-grown programmes which have fewer viewers. This
makes it harder for Caribbean-based media companies to fund programming and develop local talent.
Revision Tip: Use the acronym PAIN.FC (PAIN For the Caribbean) to remember the six challenges
to Caribbean culture that the global media presents.
65
Options
Section C
Benefits of Global Media
to Culture and Society
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Perceptions: it is good for people to hear and experience other people’s perceptions, provided that they
are secure in their own perceptions and way of life. As a person matures they are able to listen to another
person’s perspective without it damaging their own. Much can be learned from listening to another
person’s point of view.
Attitudes, values and behaviour: just as global media can influence a person’s attitudes, values and
behaviour negatively, it also has the potential to influence these things positively. By viewing selectively
and through responsible programme-making, the global media can broaden horizons, instil positive
values and encourage global unity.
Creativity: access to global media creates opportunities for creativity as people have a far wider
range of materials to view than if they had access to Caribbean-based media only. Online tutorials and
articles that can be accessed on the internet can develop people’s creativity and increase awareness of
opportunities that people may not otherwise be aware of.
Freedom of expression: the range and quantity of different methods of communication that global
media offers make it easier for people to express their opinions and to share those opinions with the
world. The rise of internet-based communication such as YouTube, Twitter and blog sites makes it easy
for anybody with a computer and internet access to broadcast their thoughts and creative works.
Test Yourself: Complete the table, adding one-line summaries for each benefit and drawback.
Benefits of global mass media Drawbacks of global mass media
Perceptions
Attitudes, values and behaviour
Identity
Nationalism and regionalism
Freedom of expression
Creativity
66
Options
Section C
Cultural Heritage in
the Caribbean
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Although some people worry that global mass media is diluting Caribbean culture, the reverse of this is
also true: Caribbean culture can be preserved, transmitted and transformed through communication.
Cultural Groups
The Caribbean is made up of many different cultural groups and their traditions are kept alive through
oral tradition (story-telling), customs, traditional food, music, arts, craft and festivals. Many cultural
practices, such as carnival, are now celebrated across the Caribbean and even draw in outside visitors.
Traditional Caribbean culture is preserved through performances, workshops and museums as well as
awareness-raising through the media.
Artists
Artists pass on cultural heritage through the paintings, sculptures, craft, writing and music they produce.
Some artwork, music or writing may be very traditional, other pieces may be modern translations of
traditional culture and others may reflect the modern, diverse Caribbean culture that exists today.
Mass Media
Through making programming involving local people, artists and traditions, Caribbean culture can be
preserved and shared across the world. The mass media is responsible for transmitting reggae, dance
hall and patois worldwide along with artists such as Rihanna, Bob Marley, VS Naipaul and Marlon
James. Examples of Caribbean culture such as Bob Marley lyrics are internationally recognised as a
result of transmission by mass media. Celebrations of Caribbean culture such as carnival have also been
publicised through mass media, resulting in thousands of visitors to the islands each year.
Institutions
Every Caribbean country has a government ministry responsible for arts and culture. These ministries
develop and support cultural and artistic growth in their country and across the Caribbean. They may:
■■ fund arts programmes in schools and communities
■■ promote and produce cultural festivals
Remember
■■ support libraries and museums
You’ll need to know how an artist,
cultural group or institution
■■ run competitions
transmits and transforms cultural
■■ propose and develop policies to protect and promote Caribbean culture.
heritage in the Caribbean.
In addition, institutions such as CARIFESTA, art galleries and universities promote Caribbean art and
culture regionally and worldwide. Cultural groups also exist outside the Caribbean to promote and
preserve Caribbean tradition for the Caribbean diaspora (Caribbean people living in other countries).
Test Yourself:
1. List FOUR means by which cultural heritage in the Caribbean can be transmitted and transformed.
2. Identify some strengths and weaknesses of these different forms of transmission.
3. Do you think that Caribbean culture can be commercialised (promoted and sold to a mass
market) at the same time as being conserved? Why or why not?
67
Options
Section C
Ownership and Control
of Mass Media
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Media ownership influences the content and views shown. Most media channels or networks are owned
by a person or group. Caribbean media companies need government licences in order to broadcast. To
be granted a licence, the company must comply with certain regulations. The human right to freedom
of speech means that Caribbean governments, along with those in other democratic countries, uphold
freedom of the press. Nevertheless, the media is bound by international laws regarding fraud, libel,
slander, copyright, plagiarism, privacy, inciting hatred and pornography.
Private Ownership
Media owned privately may be national, regional or international. One Caribbean Media Limited is an
example of a privately owned media company. Private media companies can offer a wide range of views,
including criticism of the government. However, views expressed may reflect those of the company’s
stakeholders rather than the public. Privately owned companies may produce their own programmes, buy
programmes in, or both. Most privately owned media outlets are run for profit so include advertising.
Public Ownership
Public or state ownership describes media companies that are owned, operated or funded by
government. This allows governments to control what is broadcast. This ensures that high-quality
programming is transmitted which benefits citizens and provides information. Programming is
transmitted that promotes the country and its culture. However, publicly owned media can be biased
in favour of the government (propaganda) and may censor material. A large amount of government
resources may also be used to finance the company. The Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation is an
example of a publicly owned media company.
Joint Ownership
Remember
As no one person, company
Some media companies are jointly owned by the government and a private
or government owns the
internet, it is very hard to
company. The Grenada Broadcasting Network is an example of this, with
regulate or control.
60% of the company owned by the Caribbean Communications Network and
the other 40% owned by the government. Benefits of joint ownership are that
the government and the private company can regulate each other, different viewpoints and types of
programming are aired and the government spends less on media.
Test Yourself:
1. List some characteristics of private, public and jointly owned media.
2. Fill in the missing words in the following statement:
Unlike publicly owned media companies, privately owned media is not bound by
regulations. However, such companies must still function within
broadcasting
. Jointly owned media allows government to have
some
over programming whilst avoiding bias or censorship
through the influence of the
joint owners.
control government private laws
68
Options
Section C
Regulatory Functions
of Government and
Media Associations
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Although democratic countries defend the right of freedom of speech for the media, regulations exist to
ensure that broadcasts do not infringe privacy or decency laws and that they are not inciting violence or
hatred. There are also laws to protect the creative works of artists from being copied or unfairly profited from.
Licensing
Media companies must have a licence from a broadcasting
authority. This assigns radio frequencies to radio and
television stations to ensure that all broadcasters can be
received by viewers and listeners. Other communications
systems such as mobile (cell) phones also occupy radio
frequencies. Companies must meet legal and broadcast
requirements in order to be granted a licence.
Examples of how radio frequencies may be allocated.
Frequency
Allocation
2,501–2,502
Standard frequency and time signal
2,503–2,810
Fixed mobile
2,830–3,000
Aeronautical mobile
3,112–3,118
Broadcasting
3,119–3,123
Broadcasting
3,150–3,160
Amateur
Mediating in Disputes
Usually complaints and disputes between media companies and the public can be dealt with by the
broadcaster who may issue an apology or explanation for their actions, either privately to an individual
or publicly via the media. Sometimes, the government or a regulator may have to mediate (negotiate)
in a dispute. In severe cases, a broadcaster may lose their licence if it is proved that they have acted
irresponsibly or unlawfully.
Censorship Boards
Most countries in the Caribbean have a censorship board which certifies and enforces ratings systems on
films. These ratings advise on appropriate ages of audience. Government can also censor or ban material
they feel is inappropriate or damaging to society or to the country’s security. Some people disagree with
censorship. They feel that it should be up to individuals to decide what they and their children view.
Code of Ethics
A code of ethics is an agreed list of standards that all media should abide by in their
reporting and broadcasting. It includes respecting people’s privacy, reporting accurately
and fairly, avoiding stereotyping and discrimination, giving opportunity for a right of
reply, protecting children and featuring violent and sexual content responsibly.
Remember
In the exam, you may be
required to give your view
on media censorship.
69
Options
Section C
How Artistic and Creative
Works Are Protected
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Although artists and creative people want to share their work, they don’t want others to steal their ideas, claim
their work as their own or make money from it. Copyright preserves and protects creative and artistic work.
Artistic, creative and technological works are known as intellectual property and belong to the person
or company that created them. Intellectual property can be stolen through piracy (copying and selling
the work) and plagiarism (pretending that someone else’s work is your own). Both of these acts take
away income and recognition from the artist, company or country that developed the product.
Copyright laws prevent people from copying someone else’s work and ensure that
only the person or company that produced the work can benefit financially from it.
Copyright is obtained by registering a piece of work with a copyright organisation.
Copyrighting means that the owner must give permission for others to reproduce
or sell their item in exchange for royalties (a percentage payment).
Institutions such as the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) protect creative work
throughout the world. Most Caribbean countries are members of WIPO. The Association of Caribbean
Copyright Societies (ACCS) protects copyright across the Caribbean. It holds copyright for musical,
literary and artistic works across its members and ensures that authors, composers and publishers
receive royalties from anyone that uses their work. This benefits the economy.
Members of ACCS
■■
■■
■■
■■
■■
■■
■■
Copyright Music Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago (COTT)
Copyright Association of Composers, Authors and Publishers (COSCAP) – Barbados
Eastern Caribbean Copyright Collective Organisation for Music Rights (ECCO)
Agencia Cubana de Derecho de Autor Musical (ACDAM) – Cuba
Stichting Auteursrechten Suriname (SASUR)
Belizean Society of Composers, Authors, Publishers (BSCAP)
Jamaica Music Society (JAMMS) and Jamaican Copyright Licensing Agency (JAMCOPY)
Institutions that protect intellectual property have had to adapt as pirates have developed new ways of
stealing intellectual property. The growth of the Internet has made it easier for people to steal and benefit from
the artistic and creative work of others. The general public can fight piracy through reporting it to the police.
Test Yourself:
1. List some examples of piracy or plagiarism that you might see in everyday life.
2. Name THREE items that can be protected by copyright.
3. Add more information to the table below.
70
Benefits of intellectual property laws
Benefits of sharing resources
Creator of piece of work is rewarded/recognised
Piece of work reaches a wider audience
Section C
Options
Multiple-choice Questions for Section C1
1. Which of the following are examples of verbal
communication?
(a) pictograms
(b) print
(c) paintings
(d) gestures
2. Which of the following are NOT examples of mass
media?
(a) television
(b) newspapers
(c) oral tradition
(d) websites
3. Which of the following do NOT describe benefits of
communications technology?
(a) electronic mail
(b) voice mail
(c) teleconferencing
(d) libel
4. Which of the following promotes regional
integration across the Caribbean?
(a) The Antigua Observer
(b) CANA
(c) Reuters
(d) The Associated Press
5. Which of the following is a benefit of electronic
funds transfers?
(a) people can communicate with others wherever
they are
(b) allows news and information to be shared between
countries
(c) connects remote, rural areas to the rest of a
country or region
(d) convenient and secure way of paying for goods
and services
6. How might global mass media threaten traditional
Caribbean culture?
(a) by taking business out of the country
(b) by influencing people’s identity, attitude and
behaviour
(c) by the building of new, modern buildings and
transmission towers
(d) by promoting youth culture
7. A government-owned radio station is an example of:
(a) jointly owned media
(b) privately owned media
(c) nationally owned media
(d) publicly owned media
8. Media regulation exists to:
(a) ensure that all media agencies receive equal
funding
(b) integrate media agencies
(c) control, oversee and legalise mass media
(d) restrict freedom of speech
9. Plagiarism describes:
(a) the deliberate copying of somebody else’s work
(b) performing multiple plays
(c) illegally downloading films
(d) restricting access to artistic work
10. Copyright laws exist to:
(a) allow the sharing of important information
(b) promote freedom of expression
(c) protect the work of artists, authors and performers
(d) promote the work of artists, authors and
performers
71
Options
Section C
Structured Questions for Section C1
1. Identify the most effective forms of communication in the following scenarios. Give reasons for your answers:
• Somebody wanting to draw attention to the fact that they are being attacked
• A teacher wanting to share data from a study with the class
• The government wanting to give a hurricane warning to its citizens
• A writer wanting to publish their stories
2. Diana lives in a remote, mountainous village.
(a) Explain why this might affect her use of media and communications.
(b) How could the government improve communications in Diana’s village?
3. Maxwell has never used the internet before. He is attending a workshop run by a young person to train older
people in modern technology. Maxwell has been reading about increased crime rates among youth.
(a) What potential obstacles are there that could lead to a breakdown of communication in this situation?
(b) How could the young tutor overcome these obstacles?
4. Write appropriate endings to the following sentences:
(a) Mass media describes
(b) Communications technology refers to
(c) Electronic funds transfers make transactions safer because
(d) A benefit of a regional news agency is that
5. Read the following advert for an art exhibition, which appeared in a fictional Dominican newspaper, then
answer the questions below.
EXCITING NEW ARTWORK FROM
SOME OF THE CARIBBEAN’S MOST
CELEBRATED TALENT!
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
72
How is this exhibition transmitting Caribbean cultural heritage?
How is the mass media promoting regional integration through this advertisement?
How is the Dominican government promoting Caribbean culture through this event?
Use this advertisement as an argument against the view that mass media threatens Caribbean culture.
Options
Section C
Unit
2
Consumer Affairs
Concept Map
Consumers and
sustainable
development
Influences on
consumer demand
Education and
protection of
consumers
Consumers
and saving
Consumers
and thrift
Consumers
and technology
Regional and global
influences on
consumers
WHAT IS A
CONSUMER?
Self Check
Tick the box that shows how confident you feel
Yes
Maybe
No
I can explain concepts and terms
associated with consumer affairs.
I can differentiate among categories
of consumers.
I can assess factors that influence
consumer demand.
I can outline ways consumers use
modern technology.
I can explain and evaluate how
consumers can be educated and protected.
I can describe ways that consumers can
practise thrift.
I can list ways of saving and
their benefits.
I can explain how consumers can
contribute to sustainable development.
I can evaluate effects and suggest
strategies to deal with global and
regional influences on consumers.
73
Options
Section C
What Is a Consumer?
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
A consumer is anyone who consumes (uses) goods or services. These goods or services need to be paid
for, either by the consumer themselves or through the government (a public service). Consumers can be
individuals, groups or institutions.
Test Yourself:
1. Can you identify FOUR goods and THREE services that the boy in the
2.
3.
picture is consuming?
Make a list of products and services that you consume on an average day.
Connect each good or service below to the group most likely to
consume it:
football team
schools
university
small business
tour guides
financial advisor
hospitals
restaurant chain
lecturers
fish supplier
office
kits
medicines
tourist attractions
stationery
textbooks
Consumers of Credit
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
As well as goods and services, consumers can consume credit. Credit is a way of delaying payment on a
good or service.
■■ Personal loans: normally used when persons want to buy something big
that they cannot pay for immediately, e.g.. home improvements, a car.
Remember
You can apply to a bank or other financial institution for a loan and
There are different types of credit
must prove that you’re able to repay the money. You also agree how
for different purposes.
long you have to pay back the loan and what the interest rate will be.
■■ Credit cards: given to individuals by banks to allow them to purchase items
which they will pay for later. This is done electronically. Money owed is recorded on the credit card and
interest added. The cards have a spending limit imposed on them by the issuer. Usually the owner of the
credit card will be required to pay back a certain amount of what they owe each month.
■■ Hire purchase is similar to a loan: persons can use their purchases while they are still paying for
them. They have to pay an initial deposit followed by
regular payments. When the payments reach the value of
Test Yourself:
the item, plus any interest, they own the item.
1. Describe a circumstance in which
■■ Mortgages: it is rare for someone to buy their house
a person might use a credit card.
outright: most persons need a mortgage. This is an
2. Give ONE benefit and ONE
agreement whereby a bank (or other financial institution)
drawback to hire purchase.
pays for a person’s home on the condition that a certain
3. If a couple pay $800 each month
amount of money is repaid each month. Homeowners
for 25 years to pay off a $160,000
usually pay a monthly mortgage for 20–30 years and repay
mortgage, how much interest will
far more than the cost of their house. However, the value
they have paid to the bank?
of their house may increase over the mortgage period.
74
Options
Section C
Consumer Demand
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
What and how we consume is influenced by all sorts of factors. Some of these are linked to our personal
circumstances and others are controlled by society and retailers. All consumption is affected by supply
and demand – the amount of goods or service available compared to the number of people wanting
it. Fluctuations in supply will affect the pricing of a product as people are willing to pay more for a
product with limited availability.
Personal Circumstances
■■
■■
Reviews of products often appear on
consumer websites
Size of income/credit facilities and conditions: a
Classic Men’s Trainers [11, Black/Purple] › Customer reviews
person’s spending is limited by the income they have
Classic Men’s Trainers
available or the credit facilities that they have access to. Customer Reviews
[11,Black/Purple]
85
Taste patterns: consumers are influenced by their
5 out of 5 stars
Size 11 | Colour: Black/Purple
personal desires, preferences and interests. If there is a
Top positive review
good or service they really want, they may be prepared See
Write a review
all positive reviews ›
to pay more for it.
12 people found this useful
Great trainer
Savings: a person may save money in order to make a
Review on 14 February 2016
particular purchase. They may also go without certain
These trainers are great value for money. Comfortable and
hard-wearing over long distances, give good ankle support
goods or services in order to save money.
and wash well.
Access to information: a person may choose not to buy
a particular good or service until they have researched its suitability and worth.
Expectations: consumers may be influenced by supply and demand, waiting for the price to drop
before they purchase an item. Alternatively, if they believe that the good or service will improve their
life, they may purchase it despite a high retail price.
Rate this item
■■
■■
■■
Outside Influences
■■
■■
Advertising: adverts can be informative
(provide information about a product
or service) or persuasive (convince the
consumer that a product will satisfy a need
or desire). Persuasive advertising aims to
make a product desirable by associating it
with wealth, success and attractiveness.
Quality: some people will pay higher
prices for good-quality products while
other consumers may prefer to pay less
and get an inferior-quality product. There
needs to be a range of quality options to
meet different people’s requirements.
Test Yourself: Analyse the advertisement below.
What product is being advertised? Is this an
informative or persuasive advertisement? What
associations are being used to sell the product?
Revision Tip: Try to notice
advertisements and identify whether
they are informative or persuasive and
what tactics they use.
75
CSEC Social Studies RG book.indb 75
27/09/2016 09:55
Options
Section C
Consumers and
Modern Technology
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Test Yourself: Match the definition below with the name of the transaction:
1.
An automated teller machine allows a person to access their bank account, withdraw money
and obtain cell phone credit using a bank card.
2. These cards allow people to make purchases without using cash. The payment may be taken
from their bank account immediately or the buyer may pay for the product at a future time.
3.
This term describes electronic purchasing of goods or services including online purchases
and goods and services paid for using electronic transactions.
4. This system allows customers of financial institutions to access information and manage
their accounts over the telephone using a passcode.
5. Customers are able to access information and manage their accounts securely online using a
password.
tele-banking
ATM
e-commerce
internet banking
debit and credit cards
There are many advantages of using modern technology to conduct transactions. It is more secure as
credit and debit cards reduce the need to carry cash. Using ATMs, the telephone and the Internet to bank
is also very convenient, as these facilities are accessible 24 hours a day. Finally, not having to make trips
to the bank saves people time.
Remember
You should also know some
drawbacks of using modern
technology in transactions.
76
Options
Section C
Protecting and
Educating Consumers
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Remember
Modern technology and access to credit make it easier for consumers
Remind yourself about the black
to spend but also easier for consumers to be exploited. In addition,
market and dumping through looking
practices such as the black market and dumping negatively
up these terms in your study book
or the glossary.
affect consumers and businesses. For these reasons, government agencies,
consumer groups and consumers themselves work to protect the consumer
market. The government and other agencies protect consumers in various ways:
■■ the Prices Commission sets out a maximum and minimum amount that can be charged for a good
or service. This keeps goods and services affordable and ensures that suppliers are paid fairly.
■■ The Bureau of Standards ensures that goods and services meet minimum standard requirements
in safety, quality and labelling.
■■ Fair Trading Commissions protect consumers and businesses
Under government legislation,
through imposing rates and standards for service providers to follow. food
packaging must give clear
information on its contents
They also ensure legal standards, promote fair competition and
manage consumer complaints.
■■ Regulations are imposed by government on imports, exports and
consumer goods. This protects consumers from poor-quality items.
■■ The Consumer Affairs Division of government works with other
agencies to resolve consumer complaints, educate consumers,
propose consumer legislation (laws) and promote fair trade practices.
■■ The Financial Services Commission regulates non-bank financial
institutions such as insurance companies, pension funds and credit
unions, ensuring their stability. Banks are regulated by central banks in
accordance with government legislation.
■■ Supervision of credit facilities ensures that banks and other lending
agencies act responsibly. They should carry out checks to ensure that
they only lend to borrowers who are able to pay the money back and
they must not exploit borrowers with very high interest rates.
■■ The Food and Drugs Division (Ministry of Health) regulates food,
drugs and toiletries to ensure that they are safe and effective.
Test Yourself:
1. Why do you think it is important to maintain fair competition in business?
2. Why is it important for an independent agency to manage consumer complaints?
77
Options
Section C
How Consumer Groups
Protect Consumers
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Consumer groups are made up of shoppers who have joined together to demand and protect their
rights. With the increase in social media, it has become easier for consumers to communicate, advice
and support each other. Businesses risk bad publicity and consequent decrease in sales if consumer
groups complain about them on social and mass media. These groups also educate citizens about their
consumer rights.
Consumers often form pressure groups which exist specifically to campaign on issues relating to
consumer protection. Often these pressure groups rise up in response to specific situations.
How Consumers Protect Themselves
The best way for consumers to protect themselves is through being informed. Responsible consumers
should be informed in the following ways:
Rights and responsibilities
1. Goods and services meeting basic needs
2. Products and services being safe
3. Facts being given about a purchase and a person’s
consumer rights
4. Having a choice between a range of goods at
competitive prices
Use of technology
1. Know how to protect their security when using
ecommerce and internet banking
2. Be aware of internet scams and viruses and protect
their systems from them
3. Keep track of how much they are spending and not
overspend on credit and debit cards.
5. Having a right to complain and have their views
represented and acted upon.
Self-control
Exploitation
1. Understand tactics that advertisers use to sell their
goods or services
1. Know realistic prices for goods and services and
compare prices before making a purchase.
2. Recognise the difference between items they need and
luxury items
2. Examine goods and agree levels of service before
purchasing.
3. Know their restrictions and budget and consume
within these constraints
3. Understand rights and read contracts and terms and
conditions carefully.
4. Evaluate purchases rather than buy impulsively.
4. Keep receipts and check conditions on complaints,
returns and exchange.
Revision Tip: The first letter of each section spells out RUSE – another word for trick! Remembering
this will help you recall these four areas.
Test Yourself:
1. What are the benefits of consumers joining together?
2. What methods could consumers use to ensure they receive their rights?
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Options
Section C
Responsible Consumerism
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Most of us consume more than we need to. Most of us will also experience a time in our life when we will
need an instant supply of cash. By practising thrift and saving, consumers can protect their finances and
their future. Financially secure citizens benefit society by paying their bills, mortgage and rent on time,
not relying on government support, and through spending and investing money within the country.
Ways of Practising Thrift
By looking after our belongings, we
Thrift describes the practice of spending as little as possible. This is
can prolong their life and reduce
particularly important for people who do not have much money.
our spending
But it makes sense for everyone not to spend more than they have
to. There are various ways that people can practise thrift:
■■ Shopping wisely: consumers should compare prices and
quality of the same product made by different manufacturers or
the same services offered by different companies or individuals.
Often, consumers can negotiate a lower price with a supplier.
■■ Use and care of possessions: the better care a person takes
of their possessions, the less frequently they will need to be
replaced and the less money they will spend. Parents can
teach children from a young age to care for belongings.
■■ Conservation and recycling: people can reuse food leftovers, find new uses for old items, pass
clothing on and recycle waste materials. Some people even make money out of repurposing old
materials into new items. Clothes and possessions that have been well looked after can also be sold
as second-hand goods to other thrifty consumers.
■■ Budgeting: knowing what their income and expenses will be each month enables people to
manage their finances and identify what disposable income they have left to spend. Without a
budget it is easy to overspend in one area and leave yourself short in another.
Test Yourself:
1. Study the budget for a family of four shown
2.
3.
here. Are there expenses that could be
reduced? How might this be done? Which
outgoings cannot change?
Do you think this is an effective budget? Why
or why not? Is there any expenditure you
would change?
Write out your own simple budget. It could reflect
your current situation or reflect an imaginary
income and expenditures each month.
Income = US$2,000
Items
Amount
spent (US$)
Food and toiletries
660
Clothing
200
Rent
550
Bills (electricity, water, service provider)
160
Car payments
250
Fuel
80
Savings
50
Money left to spend
50
Why Save?
Saving a small amount of money each month allows people to plan for the future, pay for a special event
or have money available for sudden or unexpected payments. People also save to provide education
and housing for their children in the future. A financially healthy and secure population contributes to
the success of a country as the government can spend more of its money on development, rather than
supporting citizens. Savings deposited by individuals in banks and building societies can also be lent
to government and businesses in order to grow the country’s economy. Economically healthy countries
benefit the whole region as richer countries can lend to those that are less developed. Investment and
spending across the region increase as the wealth of individuals and countries grows.
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Section C
Ways to Save
■■
■■
■■
■■
■■
Revised
Mastered
Privately: people can save money at home. Saving this way carries a risk of money being lost or
stolen. It is also easier for people to be tempted to spend money allocated to savings if it is easily
accessible.
Banks and building societies: saving in a bank means that people’s money is protected. Money can
also earn interest. Having a bank account gives people access to bank cards, overdrafts, loans and
e-banking.
Sou-sou: this traditional way of saving encourages individuals to save together. Members of the
group take turns to receive a payout. This allows them to make a large purchase or payment which
they could not otherwise have afforded. Sou-sous do not offer e-banking or credit or debit cards.
Investment trusts, bonds and shares: this is a riskier but potentially very profitable way of saving.
People invest their money in a company through bonds or shares and receive regular interest or
dividends (payments) from the company. Once a bond term is up, the company will pay back what
the individual spent on the bond. Shares can be sold at any time – they may be worth less or more
than the investor originally spent on them. Dividend payments increase or decrease depending on
how much profit a company makes.
Life insurance and pensions: these schemes are often offered through people’s workplaces. People
make regular small payments into a scheme and receive regular or one-off payments when they are
no longer earning an income.
Credit Unions
A credit union differs from a bank or building society in
that it doesn’t exist to make a profit and is owned by its
members. Credit unions promote good financial practices
and invest in communities as well as enabling people
to save and borrow responsibly. Just like banks, credit
unions can also offer credit and debit
cards and e-banking services.
On the right are some of
the reasons people give for
saving with credit unions.
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Being part of a credit union helps
me feel part of my community. I’m saving with the
people around me and any profit we make is invested
back into our community.
The bank wouldn’t give me a loan
to start up a business but my local credit union did,
and their interest rates are lower.
Remember
You will need to be familiar with
the different methods of saving
and their benefits.
Test Yourself:
1. Which method of saving is most appealing to you?
Why?
2. Write a response to someone who asks why they
should save with a credit union rather than a bank.
80
Reviewed
Each month I get a dividend payment on
the money I have saved with the credit union, and it’s more
than the interest I would get with the bank.
We’re all equal members in the credit union.
Knowing that we’ll let each other down if we don’t save
gives a sense of shared ownership.
The credit union gave
me financial counselling
when I lost my job.
I’ve always saved with
the credit union and have
recently begun counselling other
members on managing finances.
The credit union is rewarding
my efforts with a patronage
refund.
Options
Section C
Consumers and Sustainable
Development
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Although it is important for consumers to be thrifty, buying the cheapest product is not always best for
the country. Buying cheap imports benefits the foreign company that produced the product rather than
developing business and economy in the host country. Spending on foreign exchange (buying from
other countries) by both government and individuals needs to decrease for local economies to thrive. As
well as purchasing products and services from within their own country or region, people can boost the
economy by spending holidays in the region and studying at regional universities.
Regional integration objectives are measures set out by Caribbean governments to improve
integration and shared growth across the region – these objectives can be achieved only if people know
and act on them.
Consuming responsibly, reusing or recycling materials, buying locally produced
food and products (to avoid pollution caused by transportation) and buying
from sustainable suppliers all help to conserve the region’s resources. By
limiting energy use by turning off lights and equipment when not in use
and using alternative energy sources, consumers can reduce their energy
bills while protecting the environment.
Remember
Thriftiness and sustainable
consumption often go
hand in hand.
Test Yourself: Study the advert and identify
THREE ways that this business is contributing
to sustainable development.
Through finding creative ways of using local
resources, people can earn an income and bring
money into the region. Examples are using
jamoon and bread fruit to make wine, producing
cassava and plantain chips and creating drinks
and beauty products from coconut oil.
Savings allow people to invest in companies and
businesses in their country, thus improving its
economy.
1.
2.
3.
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Section C
Global Finance
and Consumers
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
As well as consumers being influenced by personal factors, outside influences such as the price of goods
and the range of products available will influence what and when people buy.
Devaluation is the reduction in value of one currency compared with another. The comparison of one
currency with another is called the exchange rate. Inflation describes the rising cost of goods and
services over time. The rate of inflation is usually
linked to economic growth in a country. Inflation
Revision Tip: Match the De and In!
can also be affected by the cost of production.
■ Devaluation = decrease in the value of money
The exchange rate of a currency (how much it
■ Inflation = increase in costs of goods and services
is worth) and inflation (how much it can buy)
affect consumers in the following ways:
■■ Higher prices of goods and services – Inflation raises the price of goods and services and
devaluation means that more money is needed to pay for products, services and raw materials.
■■ Reduced purchasing power nationally – When a country’s currency is worth less, the government
has less money to spend on imported products and services. This keeps more money in a country but
also means that the money people have is worth less. Devaluation also means that other countries
pay less for goods that the country exports. This reduces the country’s international reserves.
■■ Retrenchment – When a country’s economy suffers, so do businesses and households. They may
need to reduce their spending by living more simply, going without certain conveniences and
reducing number of staff. This is known as retrenchment. When many businesses reduce their staff,
this can lead to high unemployment.
■■ Lower standard of living – As a result of unemployment, high costs of goods and services and
a devalued currency, people’s standards of living may reduce. Retrenchment may lead to people
buying cheap, low-quality goods or going without certain luxuries or even basic essentials. People
will also not save as much.
Strategies to Deal with Devaluation and Inflation
People’s wages usually increase slightly each year to meet inflation. Central banks may also increase their
interest rates if inflation becomes too high. This reduces people’s spending and slows down inflation.
People can also help themselves to deal with the effects of devaluation and inflation:
■■ Self-employment – When there are limited jobs available, people may choose
to become self-employed. It is important for people to be confident that
Remember
they can make money from their product or service.
The cost of living describes how much it
■■ Home-gardening – Growing fruit and vegetables reduces people’s
costs to live in a particular country or area.
There are many websites that compare
grocery bills. They may also have fruit and vegetables left over to sell.
the cost of living in various cities and
countries around the world.
Test Yourself:
1. Write definitions for the following terms, incorporating the listed words:
Devaluation – compared, currency, reduction
Inflation – increase, cost, time
What other strategies can people take to deal with the effects of devaluation and inflation?
■■
■■
2.
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Section C
Globalisation and
Trade Liberalisation
Reviewed
Globalisation describes the connectedness of the world. Through
improvements in technology, transport and communications,
the whole world can share information and trade together. This is
made easier still through trade liberalisation. There are
advantages and disadvantages to globalisation and trade liberalisation.
Revised
Mastered
Remember
Globalisation depends on widespread
use of technology that allows information
to be shared and transactions to take
place between people and companies
in different countries.
Advantages
■■
■■
■■
Cheaper goods and services for consumers: consumers are able to buy cheap imported products
rather than more expensive locally made items.
More choice of goods and services: opening up trade across countries means that consumers and
businesses have more choice over the products and services they buy. Also, international companies
may be able to offer services at cheaper rates due to economies of scale.
Competition between manufacturers: globalisation and trade liberalisation mean that businesses
across the world compete to sell their goods and services on the international market. People can
shop around for the best, most competitively priced products and services.
Disadvantages
■■
■■
Cheap goods are not always the best choice: poorly produced, low-quality items may not last long.
They may even cause injury. It may be difficult to get refunds for items purchased over the internet.
Products may be cheaper because workers are paid low wages and work in unsatisfactory conditions.
Small countries struggle to compete on the global market: small Caribbean businesses compete
against huge, multinational corporations to sell their goods. Since developing countries cannot sell
their goods as cheaply as developed countries or market their goods as effectively, sales of their
products may decrease. Even within the Caribbean,
people may buy cheap, imported products rather than
locally produced, more expensive products.
Trade liberalisation means that bananas grown on
smallholdings are competing in international markets
with Latin American bananas which are mass-produced
on plantations owned by American companies. The
Latin American bananas can be sold more cheaply than
the Caribbean bananas, meaning that fewer Caribbean
bananas are being bought or are sold so cheaply that
Caribbean growers cannot make a profit.
CARIBBEAN
BANANAS
LATIN AMERICAN
BANANAS
76 cents/kg
76 cents/kg
Test Yourself:
1. List some imported products in the Caribbean. Are there Caribbean alternatives? Why do you
2.
think people prefer the imported products?
How might governments limit the negative effects of globalisation and trade liberalisation?
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Section C
Options
Multiple-choice Questions for Section C2
84
1. Which of the following is NOT a recognised
category of consumer?
(a) institutional consumer
(b) consumer of services
(c) natural consumer
(d) consumer of credit
6. Which of the following are NOT government
consumer protection bodies?
(a) Fair Trading Commission
(b) Programme Coordinating Unit
(c) Food and Drugs Division
(d) Consumer Affairs Division
2. A credit card allows a consumer to:
(a) benefit from a product or service straight away but
pay for it later
(b) increase the amount of money in their bank
account
(c) prove how much money they have in their bank
account
(d) instantly debit their bank account
7. Patronage refund describes:
(a) the right to be refunded if a product is faulty
(b) refunding of expenses for patrons attending
business meetings
(c) long-term members of credit unions being
financially rewarded
(d) a credit union donating money to the community
3. Which of the following is NOT a method of
transaction using modern technology?
(a) ATM
(b) cash payment
(c) internet banking
(d) debit card
8. Which of the following actions does NOT
contribute to sustainable regional development?
(a) saving with a bank, building society or credit union
(b) buying imported goods from a locally owned
supermarket
(c) buying locally produced goods
(d) making international purchases over the internet
4. Pick the most accurate ending to this sentence:
Modern technology benefits consumers because:
(a) it makes it easier to spend money
(b) people can spend money they haven’t got
(c) it gives consumers more rights
(d) it is secure and convenient
9. A currency’s value decreasing compared with
others is called:
(a) devaluation
(b) inflation
(c) global economy
(d) globalisation
5. The law of supply and demand describes:
(a) the legal obligation for businesses to provide the
goods people want
(b) restrictions on the quantity of a product that a
person can buy
(c) the availability and demand of a good or service
affecting its price
(d) a seller’s responsibility to meet demand for his or
her product
10. A direct effect of trade liberalisation is:
(a) cheaper goods and services being available to
consumers
(b) retrenchment
(c) national economic growth
(d) reduced purchasing power
Section C
Options
Structured and Essay Questions
for Section C2
1. Write short definitions for the following terms:
Consumers:
Mortgage:
Hire purchase:
Globalisation:
2. Read the extract below from a letter to a consumer advice column in a newspaper, then write a reply. Your
reply should suggest at least one government or consumer group that could help and give learning points for
the future.
‘…I thought I was getting a bargain when I bought my new kettle from a local market stall. The stall was
well-stocked and lots of people were buying from it. The trader was very helpful and told me all about the
features of the kettle. When I asked how the kettles were so cheap, he explained that he had been able to
buy the kettles cheaply as he had bought in bulk and so was able to pass this saving on to his customers,
hence the good price. When I asked for a receipt, the man said that he didn’t issue receipts but that his stall
was always there and he would be happy to exchange or refund the kettle if there was a problem. The kettle
worked well for a few days, then one day when I turned it on there was a popping sound and the water
would not boil. When I tried to return the kettle, the stall had disappeared.’
3. Write an essay outline in response to the statement: ‘The risks of e-commerce outweigh its benefits.’ Your
response should state whether you AGREE or DISAGREE with the statement, backed up with REASONS WHY.
Your essay outline should also refer to at least TWO ways that consumers can protect themselves when using
e-commerce.
Notes:
4. Write a short speech explaining the importance of saving. Your speech should IDENTIFY the personal benefits
of saving as well as OUTLINE how saving can contribute to sustainable development in the region. Your
speech should also outline THREE different ways of saving and COMPARE the benefits of each.
Notes:
5. Write a short essay outlining the EFFECTS of globalisation and trade liberalisation on BOTH the consumer and
the nation. Make sure you include the BENEFITS as well as the DRAWBACKS of these effects. OUTLINE TWO
different strategies (one regional, one individual) for dealing with the negative effects of globalisation and
trade liberalisation, while enjoying their benefits.
Notes:
85
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Section C
Unit
3
Tourism
Concept Map
Influences
on tourism
Tourism
and regional
integration
Tourism and
the environment
Tourism
and technology
Factors
affecting
tourism
Challenges
to tourism
Tourism
and employment
TYPES OF TOURISM
Tourism
and the
economy
Self Check
Tick the box that shows how confident you feel
I can differentiate between types
of tourism.
I can explain factors that influence
tourism in host and supply countries.
I can analyse how tourism contributes
to the Caribbean economy.
I can outline employment and career
opportunities in tourism.
I can assess the impact of tourism
on physical and socio-cultural
environments.
I can evaluate how government policies
affect tourism.
I can assess how agencies contribute
to tourism.
I can outline challenges facing tourism.
I can describe how tourism promotes
regional integration.
I can describe how communications
technology impacts tourism.
86
Yes
Maybe
No
Options
Section C
Types of Tourism
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
The tourism sector describes the huge industry, worth billions of dollars, that provides food, accommodation,
travel, experiences, entertainment and souvenirs to tourists. Tourism is a vital part of the Caribbean’s economy,
contributing half or more of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in some countries.
Travellers may be international, regional or domestic. They can stay in one geographical area or be
excursionists (travelling to different places within a region by land or cruise ship).
Some tourists want relaxing beach holidays, others want sporting holidays
Remember
(particularly, in the Caribbean, golf and water-based sports), others want to
You need to be able to identify
different types of tourism.
experience the Caribbean’s culture, music and festivals. Increasingly, tourists
want to experience the natural beauty of the Caribbean and take part in ecoactivities and conservation. The tourism sector in the Caribbean has had to adapt
and utilise its natural resources in order to meet the demand for different types of holidays.
Test Yourself:
1. Pick from the words and phrases on this page to complete the following passage:
in the Caribbean is adapting to the demands of today’s
The tourism
tourist. Many people want more than just a traditional
holiday and
offering sports and
tourism are developing as a result.
2. List some Caribbean sporting events, carnivals or festivals that attract international, regional or
domestic tourists.
Influences on Tourism
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Tourism depends on a host country to supply tourists and a supply country to accommodate tourists
and meet their needs. Tourism is affected by push
and pull factors in both of these countries.
income
accessibility
Supply Country Push Factors
promotion and
marketing
accessibility
■■
■■
■■
■■
tourist services
safety and
security
Disposable income – Potential tourists must
transportation
infrastructure
have money to pay for their holiday and to
Supply country
Host country
spend while travelling.
push factors
pull factors
Promotion and marketing – However good a
resort or tourist destination is, it will be visited only if tourists know about it. This is done through
promotion and marketing in supply countries.
Accessibility – Access to information about the host country, easy travel to and from the destination
and no need for visas, documents or vaccinations all influence whether or not people travel to an area.
Transportation – Tourists must be able to travel easily, safely and affordably to their destination.
Good transport links, including roads, trains, planes and boats, must be available.
87
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Section C
Host Country Pull Factors
■■
■■
■■
■■
■■
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Accessibility: most tourists want direct flights into a central airport and good transport links. For
cruises to stop in a country there must be an adequate seaport that can cater for an influx of tourists.
Some destinations appeal to certain types of visitors (such as eco-tourists) because they are isolated,
unspoilt and hard to reach. However, tourists still need to be transported to such places.
Tourist services: for a country to become a popular tourist destination, it must offer high-quality
and affordable services. Direct services in the tourism sector include hotels, shops, restaurants,
clean beaches, leisure facilities, sports facilities and bars. Most countries also have a tourist board
and tourist information centres.
Safety and security: tourists want to know that they will be safe. Political stability, a strong and
trusted police force and healthcare provision all contribute to this.
Infrastructure: tourists want to be able to travel easily in their destination country. Good infrastructure
is important to keep hotels, shops and bars well stocked. Services such as electricity, clean water and
sanitation are also important. Increasingly, tourists want to access Wi-Fi from their hotels.
Airports and seaports: these need to be clean, secure and well staffed and serviced. These portals
can also provide host countries with an opportunity to sell goods and services to tourists.
Revision Tip: Reorder the first letters of the push and pull factors above to spell out: IT ADAPTS –
what the tourism sector continually does (count accessibility only once!).
Test Yourself:
1. What different methods might be used to market a tourist resort?
2. List the tourist pull factors of a host country in the order you think reflects their importance.
88
Options
Section C
Tourism and the Economy
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Tourism is a vital source of income and employment to nearly all Caribbean countries. According to the World
Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), tourism brought US$54 billion into the Caribbean in 2015, accounting for
almost 15% of GDP across the Caribbean and providing employment for around 13% of the population.
Foreign exchange describes the stock that a country has of currencies other than its own. Every country
must have foreign exchange to pay for goods and services internationally. Countries accumulate foreign
exchange mainly from their exports and from tourism.
Tourism creates employment. Persons might be employed directly in tourism, e.g. hotel or restaurant
workers, or they may be employed indirectly, e.g. suppliers of food to restaurants.
Test Yourself:
1. What foreign exchange currencies do you think are most important to the Caribbean?
2. Can you think of other examples of indirect employment from tourism?
Tourism creates employment. Persons might be employed directly in tourism, e.g. hotel or restaurant
workers, or they may be employed indirectly, e.g. suppliers of food to restaurants.
Test Yourself: Match the government revenues to their descriptions/sources:
1. A payment visitors make to government when arriving in a country
2. A nightly fee paid to government which is added onto hotel payments
3. An annual fee paid to the government in exchange for running your restaurant
4. A fee paid by visitors leaving a Caribbean island
departure tax head tax restaurant licence hotel tax
However, government expenditure on developing tourist resorts can take money away from improving
services for local people. Land acquired for resort or hotel development may also anger local people who
feel that the land should be used for farming or to benefit the community. Some people feel that too
many people are employed in tourism at the expense of the country’s agricultural industry.
Arguably, tourism is vital to Caribbean economies and needs to be developed and protected. Through
building resorts and improving infrastructure in resort areas,
governments create jobs for local people. Local people also often
Test Yourself:
benefit from infrastructure put in place to attract tourists.
1. Write up a list of benefits and
Government spending on tourism needs to be balanced against
drawbacks of government
other areas of need in a country. Income from tourism also needs
spending on tourism.
to take into account economic leakage – foreign exchange
2. Can you think of a provision
earnings from tourism that leak back out of a country. This occurs
in your country that benefits
when tourists use imported rather than local goods and through
both tourists and local people?
tourist facilities owned by foreign companies.
89
Options
Section C
Tourism and Employment
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Tourism depends on a large number of staff to supply goods and services such as food and
accommodation, sports coaching and souvenirs. People are employed in a range of occupations within
the tourism sector.
Type of occupation
Description
Managerial
Manages an office, group of people, place or area of
work, e.g. shop manager
Clerical/administrative
Office-based or reception jobs assisting in the dayto-day running of a business, e.g. office assistant
Professional
Working in an area for which qualifications have
been gained, such as accountancy
Technical
Working with machines or technology, e.g.
plumber
Unskilled
Jobs that do not involve formal training or
qualifications, usually practical, e.g. cleaner
Test Yourself: Think of
a job within the tourism
industry for each of the
types of occupation listed in
the table.
Conditions of Employment
Different jobs carry different conditions of employment. Many countries in the Caribbean have trade
unions for people working within the tourism industry. These ensure that workers receive fair pay, safe
working conditions and benefits such as holiday and sickness pay.
Job security within the tourism sector is variable. There will always be work for bar and hotel staff as
long as there is tourism in the Caribbean. However, the amount of work that a person has may vary
depending on whether it is high or low season. The more experience and qualifications a person has,
the more likely they are to secure and keep employment and to progress in their careers (promotion).
Many people look for jobs that enable them to gain qualifications while they work. Through schemes
such as apprenticeships, people learn the skills and knowledge needed for a particular area of work.
Training and Qualifications
Universities, colleges and institutes provide training and formal qualifications in many aspects of
tourism, including sustainable tourism, tourism management, international hospitality and marketing.
Many regional organisations also offer short courses to people already working in the tourist industry
who want to refresh or develop their skills and knowledge. Many jobs within tourism, particularly in
managerial or professional positions, require qualifications. All jobs that involve dealing with tourists
require good social and people-management skills.
Revision Tip: Find out about some tourism courses offered in your country.
It may be useful to refer to these in the exam.
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Section C
Entrepreneurship
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Tourism offers many opportunities for people to set up their own
businesses. Many tourists prefer to stay in small, community-based
guest houses rather than in large hotels and to eat traditional,
authentic cuisine. This opens up opportunities for people to
run their own guest houses, restaurants and food stalls.
Local people can also offer their services as tour guides or
sports coaches or set up a taxi or boat trip business. Local artists
and craftspeople can sell direct to tourists or provide tourist
shops with souvenir items.
Some tourist organisations
offer scholarships to trainees
Test Yourself: List the qualifications, skills and experience that might be required for the
following roles:
hotel manager
receptionist
chef
cleaner
gardener
Resort Development
Reviewed
Revised
Mastered
Many people are attracted to the Caribbean because of its beautiful natural environment. At the same
time, this environment is under threat from tourism and resort development. It is important that the
impact of tourism on the natural environment is considered and minimised.
When resorts are built, this not only takes up land which could be used for other purposes, it also affects
the view (aesthetic value) of an environment as well as local ecology. Resorts should blend in with
the natural environment as far as possible. Roads and paths should cause the least damage possible to
the natural beauty of an area and buildings should not be built so high that they block the view of the
coastline for others.
When resorts are built considerately, they can actually help to preserve areas of natural beauty by
making them accessible and protecting them from degeneration.
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Section C
Changes in Ecology,
Reefs and Tidal Patterns
Reviewed
Revised
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Resorts change the landscape of an area, affecting its flora and fauna (plant and animal life). This is
particularly damaging in wetland areas where land may be drained to be built on. As well as affecting
ecology of the wetland, this can result in soil and debris that were previously absorbed by the wetland
flowing into the sea. This can damage coral and marine life.
Reefs are a huge attraction for tourists but are very sensitive to pollution. Sewage, soil washed into the
sea and litter pollution can kill algae, a source of food for coral. Pollution from pesticides and fertilisers
used on gardens and golf courses can also be washed into rivers and the sea where they damage coral
and other wildlife. Coral is also removed to sell to tourists which damages coral reefs which have taken
thousands of years to grow. Laws protect certain coral in some Caribbean countries.
The flow of boats into and out of a marina may also affect tidal patterns and contribute to beach erosion.
Caribbean Sea Turtles
Caribbean sea turtles, once numbering in
the millions, are now a threatened species.
Damage to coral reefs and seagrass along
with pollution, development of coastal
resorts, light pollution and tourists populating
nesting beaches have all contributed to
the decline in numbers and varieties. The
Caribbean Environment Programme is
working with local people to run conservation
programmes to protect and conserve the
Caribbean’s sea turtle population.
Test Yourself: Use the following words to complete the labels below showing how tourist
developments can damage the natural environment.
tidal
decline
trees
space
view
obstructed
built on green
cut down
patterns affected
in marine life
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Section C
Tourism and Conservation
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The Caribbean depends on tourists who want to experience unspoilt natural habitats; therefore tourism
must be developed with conservation in mind. Some of the ways that this can happen are:
■■ constructing buildings to blend in with, and not obstruct, natural views
■■ building marinas away from coral reefs
■■ limiting the use of pesticides and fertilisers and disposing of sewage responsibly
■■ maintaining green areas and replanting trees and flora to replace those that have been uprooted.
Test Yourself: Can you think of other ways that a tourist resort could limit the damage it causes to
the natural environment?
Heritage Sites and Conservation
One way that tourism can contribute to the preservation of the environment is through heritage
tourism. As a result of tourists paying to visit historical sites such as Drax Hall sugar plantation in
Barbados, St John’s Cathedral in Antigua and the St Vincent Botanic Gardens, Caribbean governments
can spend money conserving these sites.
There are many national and regional organisations that work with citizens, tour operators and
government bodies to protect the Caribbean’s natural environment. National Trusts protect and preserve
buildings and National Parks as well as educating citizens, running events and operating museums.
Other organisations influence government policies and practices on conservation. The Caribbean
Conservation Association (CCA) protects the region’s natural and cultural resources through contributing
to policies, programmes and practices which preserve the environment.
Revision Tip: Know about at least one historic site or national park in the Caribbean and
how it is protected.
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Section C
Tourism, Society and Culture
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Tourism can have both negative and positive effects on society and culture.
■■
■■
■■
Land and property: the increase in tourism on Caribbean islands has increased the cost of land
and housing. Many nationals are unable to afford the kind of housing and location they would like.
Hotels and holiday apartments occupy prime beachside spots. Sometimes land that was previously
public space is bought by companies to develop a tourist site and becomes inaccessible to the
public. Agricultural land may also be developed for tourism, leading to a shift in jobs and skill sets in
a region. However, tourism has also helped to develop the infrastructure of areas by creating roads,
airports, harbours and improved healthcare, security and telecommunications that everyone can
benefit from. The Caribbean coastline is a huge attraction to both tourists and locals as well as being
a source of employment for many. In most Caribbean countries all beaches are open to the public by
law. However, in reality, some hotels make accessing beaches difficult.
Visitors’ perception of Caribbean people and culture: through travelling out of their resort and
visiting local restaurants, bars, cafes, shops, craft centres and visitor attractions, tourists can meet
local people and experience local culture. Some tourists stay in local guest houses or even people’s
homes to gain an authentic experience of Caribbean culture. Some tourists may also visit schools
and farms to gain an insight into everyday life on the island. Some visitors come to Caribbean islands
specifically to experience arts and cultural festivals.
Relationships between citizens and visitors: the relationship between citizens, tourists and
returning nationals can be very beneficial if all groups have a positive attitude to one another.
Caribbean citizens who may not be able to travel to other countries can experience other cultures
through visitors to their island. Mixing with other cultures can help to break down stereotypes and
ignorance. At the same time, some people worry that Caribbean culture may be diluted by other
nationalities as local people adopt the lifestyle, speech and dress of visiting cultures. There is also
concern that tourists who are in the Caribbean to relax and have a good time may be a bad influence
on local people. Most tourists are from developed countries that are richer and have more access to
technology than many Caribbean people, which may feed dissatisfaction.
Test Yourself: Design a questionnaire to gain an insight into tourists’ thoughts and feelings about
the Caribbean and its people.
Attitudes to Tourism
■■
■■
■■
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Indifference – Some Caribbean people, particularly those in rural areas, are unaffected by tourism.
They do not often encounter tourists and so the contribution of tourists to society, both positive and
negative, do not affect them.
Alienation – Other people may be opposed to tourism due to the effects it has on Caribbean society.
These people may alienate (remove) themselves from tourist areas and tourists as far as possible.
Enthusiasm – Some Caribbean people are very positive about tourism. This is particularly true of
people employed within the tourism industry or who benefit directly from improved infrastructure
or amenities as a result of tourism. Many young people particularly enjoy experiencing other
cultures and accessing the bars, restaurants and attractions that have been developed for tourists.
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Section C
How Tourism Affects
Arts and Culture
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Arts and culture can be revitalised by the presence of tourists who want to view and buy local arts and
crafts and experience local culture through attending music and performing arts events. However, there
is some concern that local culture may be commercialised and diluted in order to make it more attractive
to tourists.
There are a number of ways that government policies can protect citizens from negative effects of
tourism while promoting its benefits.
Benefits
Drawbacks
Regulate number of people settling in
the Caribbean and impose time limits
on how long visitors can stay
Immigration
regulations
Regulations may discourage
some visitors
Some governments legislate for all
beaches to be open to the public
Beach control
Hotels obstruct access to some beaches.
Some hotels own private beaches
Hotel access to
the public
Some hotels and bars restrict access to
locals, causing resentment
Government aims to ensure hotels and
tourist amenities available to local people
Local landowners can sell their land at a
high price; governments regulate how much
land can be bought by non-nationals
Land acquisition
by non-nationals
Local people may be displaced or unable to
buy land due to land being bought by
foreign investors
Keeps wealth within the country
and encourages national pride
Incentives to
holiday at home
People don’t experience other cultures;
people may feel a holiday at home is not a
proper holiday
Test Yourself:
1. What stereotypes might Caribbean people have about tourists?
2. What incentive could government and local resorts offer to encourage nationals to holiday in
their own country?
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Section C
Policies to Develop Tourism
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For tourism to be successful in a country, both public and private investment is needed. Private
companies invest in tourism through building and promoting hotels, entertainment and leisure facilities.
The public sector develops policies and practices that encourage sustainable tourism.
Meeting Infrastructure Requirements
Modern air and seaports, good roads, availability of public transport, reliable sewage and refuse
collection, provision of medical facilities and dependable sources of electricity, water and
telecommunications are all vital to the tourism industry. Local people benefit from these provisions too.
Providing a Well-trained Workforce
Without trained staff to deliver and maintain a service, even the most modern facilities would not be
much use. New buildings must also be strong, safe and functional. The government must ensure that
adequate training is provided to workers in the service, construction and health industries through
ensuring appropriate training schemes, apprenticeships and qualifications are in place.
Addressing Environmental Concerns
Government policies and regulations ensure that:
■■ air, land and water pollution is kept to a minimum
■■ endangered species/areas of natural beauty are protected
■■ waste and sewage are disposed of properly.
Test Yourself:
1. List the trained workers needed for the following provisions:
Hotel
Airport
Hospital
Restaurant
Running water
2. Suggest THREE practical ways that a government might regulate and limit the impact of
tourism on the environment.
Addressing Social Problems
Tourists must feel that a country is safe and comfortable. Governments address social issues in a number
of ways:
■■ providing a well-trained, informed and moral police force in adequate numbers
■■ passing and upholding laws to protect citizens and visitors
■■ making sure public spaces are well lit
■■ providing well-equipped, well-staffed hospitals, pharmacies and emergency services
■■ taking action on social issues such as poverty, crime, drug use and disease.
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Section C
Creating a Favourable
Investment Climate
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For local and international businesses to invest in a country, three things must happen:
1. There must be attractive opportunities to invest and make a profit. This is achieved through good
infrastructure and security, natural resources such as unspoilt coastline and a strong tourist industry.
2. The process of setting up a business must be as easy as possible.
3. Businesses have to know about investment opportunities.
Government can promote these conditions through ensuring that safety, security, infrastructure and
social conditions are suited to investment. They can also provide incentives to local and international
business investors through tax concessions, land provision, granting licences and ensuring that
administration is simple and efficient. Governments should also promote international investment in their
country through tourist boards, the Ministry of Tourism, international media and tourist associations.
Revision Tip: As well as knowing how government policies develop tourism, you’ll need to have
an opinion on how effective these policies are.
How Agencies Contribute
to Tourism
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Many agencies and organisations work with governments to promote and develop tourism. They do
this through monitoring the tourist industry and setting guidelines for improvement, providing training
for workers in the tourist industry, marketing the region to potential tourists and providing funding to
tourist projects through grants and loans.
Local, regional and international agencies that develop tourism include:
■■ hotel associations, tourist boards, Departments/Bureaus/Ministries of Tourism
■■ Caribbean Tourism Organisation
■■ Caribbean Hotel Association
■■ hospitality training institutions
■■ donor agencies: Caribbean Development Bank, European Union, Organization of American States
(OAS) and Canadian International Development Agencies (CIDA)
Test Yourself: Match the five agencies, institutions or associations above with the summary you
think best defines them.
1. Loan money for projects to improve a country’s economic and social conditions and develop its
tourist industry.
2. Informs policy, provides education and training to workers, promotes tourism to the public, supports
sustainable development.
3. Monitor, promote and support tourism and tourism services, develop tourism policies, coordinate
tourism across the country.
4. Markets the region’s hotels, sets environmental guidelines for hotels and trains staff in hospitality.
5. Universities, colleges and tourist facilities, such as large hotels, that offer training in hospitality and tourism.
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Section C
Challenges Facing the
Caribbean Tourist Industry
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Security of funding for investment: for tourism to develop and grow, investment is needed to
maintain, improve and create new tourist facilities. Investment may come from companies, financial
institutions, private individuals and government. When countries or banks face economic difficulties,
investment in tourism decreases.
Research and marketing: for a tourism product or service to be successful it needs to satisfy a
need or desire. The needs and desires of tourists are discovered through market research
and people are informed about a product or service through marketing (promotion). Research and
marketing are expensive and many tourist boards have limited money for them.
Training and labour force: a successful tourism industry depends on a reliable, well-trained
workforce. However, a lack of training facilities or the expense of training may result in a lack of
qualified personnel, particularly for professional roles.
Water supply: governments must invest in water provision and treatment to meet the huge
demand for water from tourists. This needs to be balanced with the water needs of residents and
protection of the natural environment.
Terrorism: as global terrorism increases, many people limit their international travel. Terrorism
risks in the Caribbean are low but crime rates in some areas are high, which may deter people from
visiting the region. Increased security checks at airports and long waits at immigration and passport
control may also deter people.
Direct air access: many smaller islands in the Caribbean do not receive direct flights from major host
countries such as the UK, USA or Canada. Tourists from these countries may stay on larger Caribbean
islands or travel to other holiday destinations rather than catch connecting flights.
Competing destinations: the Caribbean competes with many other tourist destinations, both those
offering similar environments and those offering very different kinds of holiday. Some people are
attracted to emerging destinations such as Croatia, Cuba and the Cape Verde islands. Others may
holiday in parts of the world that are nearer to them or that offer cheaper holidays.
Cruise ship policies: cruise ships do not benefit the Caribbean economy as much
as land-based tourism due to staff and products on the ship coming from
outside the Caribbean. Cruise ships docking in Caribbean ports must
Remember
pay port taxes and fees, which contribute to port construction/
As well as outlining the challenges
facing tourism in the Caribbean,
upkeep and the country’s infrastructure. Many Caribbean
you’ll need to be able to suggest
possible solutions.
governments also charge head tax per passenger. Agreeing standard
charges and fees across all ports would create an equal market across all
Caribbean destinations.
Test Yourself:
1. Identify some ways that tourist facilities could carry out research and marketing.
2. Compare the qualities of a beach holiday in the Caribbean to a city break in New York.
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Section C
Tourism and
Regional Integration
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Marketing the Caribbean as a single destination: tourists often the Caribbean as a region rather
than separate countries. Governments can take advantage of this by combining time and money to
market the Caribbean as a single destination. Economic links mean that tourists to any Caribbean
country will benefit the whole region.
Recognition of tourist packages in individual countries: whilst marketing the Caribbean as a
single destination, promotion of events or resources in particular countries can also attract people
to the Caribbean and encourage visitors to lesser-known islands. Events and attractions throughout
the Caribbean include the Trinidad carnival, the Chaa Creek eco lodge in Belize and the Caribbean
Sea Jazz Festival in Aruba.
Aviation hubs: through providing link flights to other destinations in the Caribbean, large
international airports such as the Grantley Adams Airport (Barbados) or the Norman Manley Airport
(Jamaica) act as aviation hubs. Connecting flights mean tourists can visit more than one island or
islands that don’t have an international airport. They also promote domestic and regional tourism.
The length of time that visitors can stay on different islands without a visa differs.
Common policies and linkages: the common single market and economy (CSME) allows people,
services and investment to move freely between members. This benefits tourism as a skilled workforce
can travel between countries and tourist facilities can be invested in across member states. Common
economic policies such as room tax and port fees also benefit integration. Since all Caribbean islands
share the core attractions of sun, sand and sea, marketing resources can also be integrated.
Test Yourself:
1. Give definitions for the following terms:
marketing
emerging destinations
aviation hubs
visas
2. List THREE ways that a tourist board could attract regional (Caribbean) visitors.
3.
Do you think that visa requirements should be standardised across the Caribbean region? Why
or why not?
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Section C
Tourism and
Communications Technology
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These days, almost everyone uses the internet to research holidays and gather information. People
also book flights, car rental and excursions and make hotel and restaurant reservations online.
E-ticketing allows reservations to be made over the telephone or internet. Customers are issued with
a reference number (and sometimes a bar code) and relevant details of their booking via email or SMS.
This information is then used to access the booking stored on a computer. A good website should allow
people to contact a company to provide feedback or ask questions. This is one way that companies can
collect market research. Websites and media, such as television, radio and press, are also good ways to
advertise holidays to large numbers of potential
tourists. Websites such as caribbeantravel.com
promote regional integration by marketing the whole
of the Caribbean. With so much competition from
different tour operators, it is important for companies
facilities
restaurant
functions
rates
check availability
to have an attractive, functional and up-to-date
website. Information should be communicated
using photos as well as text. See the sample
website opposite.
Test Yourself:
1. Why might the internet be an attractive
way for people to research their holiday
destinations?
2. What are the benefits of communicating
via the internet for the tourist industry? Are
there any drawbacks?
My husband and I stayed here for our anniversary. The hotel was clean and
the staff friendly. However, there were no refreshments in the room and our
fridge was out of order. The rooftop breakfast was very pleasant.
Great location within walking distance of all amenities and nightlife.
I stayed here on business and made use of the meeting room. The hotel
was clean and comfortable and the staff were very helpful. Good value for
money and the restaurant served great food. The bed wasn’t the most
comfortable I’ve slept in but for a couple of nights was adequate.
Book your room
From
To
Adults
Children
100
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Section C
Multiple-choice Questions for Section C3
1.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Domestic tourists are:
tourists that stay in other people’s homes
tourists that holiday in their own country
tourists that like to stay in built-up areas
families that travel together
2.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Which of the following is NOT a sector of tourism?
eco tourism
health tourism
cultural tourism
geographical tourism
3. Which of the following is NOT a host country pull
factor?
(a) accessibility
(b) disposable income
(c) safety and security
(d) infrastructure
4. Foreign exchange describes:
(a) the stock that a country has of currencies other
than its own
(b) foreign visitors between countries
(c) international exchange of goods and services
(d) taxes placed on tourist services
5. Which of the following is NOT an indication of high
season?
(a) the number of tourists in a country peaks
(b) employment in tourist services is high
(c) resorts offer cheap rates
(d) holidays are more expensive
6. Which of the following is NOT an effect of resort
development?
(a) endangered species
(b) damaged infrastructure
(c) spoilt aesthetics (view)
(d) altered tidal patterns
7. Which of the following effects of tourism do NOT
benefit local people?
(a) better infrastructure
(b) increased healthcare
(c) private beaches
(d) improved telecommunications
8. Which of the following is NOT an area of
government tourism policy?
(a) hotel access to the public
(b) land acquisition by non-nationals
(c) incentives to holiday at home
(d) relations between tourists and citizens
9.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Marketing describes:
selling on a market stall
the act of promoting a product or service to sell
finding out what customers want
integrating with other businesses selling similar
products
10. An emerging destination describes:
(a) a holiday destination that is becoming popular
(b) a tourist resort in a developing country
(c) a destination that offers cheap holidays
(d) a holiday offering only basic provisions
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Section C
Structured Questions for Section C3
1. Provide a balanced argument (present both sides) for why tourism in the Caribbean needs to expand beyond
just providing sun, sea and sand.
2. Write a response to the statement: ‘The government is spending too much money on developing
facilities for tourists at the expense of quality of life for locals.’ State whether you agree with the
statement and outline why or why not.
3. Write a letter to your government, stating how it can encourage the tourism industry to invest in your
country. Begin your letter by explaining why investment in tourism is important. Follow this by explaining,
giving examples, why each of the factors listed below is important in encouraging tourism.
■■ Good infrastructure
■■ Tackling social and environmental issues
■■ Providing tourism training
■■ Marketing and promotion
4. What do you think is the biggest challenge facing tourism in the Caribbean today? Outline reasons for your
choice and suggest two possible solutions.
5. Look at the web pages below. One page is complete while the other is missing some important features.
Through comparing the two, use the following prompts to copy and complete the unfinished page.
■■ How could the web page look better? What component is missing, other than text?
■■ Could you add any more text to promote the resort? What would make you want to visit this resort?
■■ What other links to further information could be added to the menu bar?
■■ What important details are missing from the bottom of the page?
■■ What is the most important action for visitors to take? How could the web page encourage this?
facilities
restaurant
functions
rates
check availability
My husband and I stayed here for our anniversary. The hotel was clean and
the staff friendly. However, there were no refreshments in the room and our
fridge was out of order. The rooftop breakfast was very pleasant.
Great location within walking distance of all amenities and nightlife.
I stayed here on business and made use of the meeting room. The hotel
was clean and comfortable and the staff were very helpful. Good value for
money and the restaurant served great food. The bed wasn’t the most
comfortable I’ve slept in but for a couple of nights was adequate.
Book your room
From
To
Adults
Children
102
Search
Paper 1 Practice Questions
Paper 1 Practice Questions
1. Which of the following is NOT a major function of
the family?
(a) Procreation
(b) Socialisation of the individual
(c) Healthcare provision
(d) Satisfying social and economic needs
2. Which of the following gives the best description
of human trafficking?
(a) Running a business which secures employment for
migrants
(b) Holding a person against their will and exploiting
them for profit
(c) Paying for a relative to join you in another country
(d) Providing transportation for multiple people
3. A group of people with a common aim, a leader
and established rules describes a:
(a) Formal group
(b) Secondary group
(c) Institution
(d) Primary group
4. How might an opposition party monitor a ruling
party in parliament?
(a) Campaign on social issues
(b) Write a manifesto
(c) Question government proposals
(d) Monitor the electoral process
5.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Which of the following is the odd one out?
Forests
Bauxite
Solar power
Water
6.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Population change is influenced by:
Relief of the land
Ethnicity
Birth and death rate
Climate
7. Shared currency, removal of trade barriers and
coordination of monetary policies are examples of:
(a) Regional integration
(b) Sustainability
(c) Globalisation
(d) Economic integration
8. Which of the following is NOT a form of media
ownership?
(a) Private
(b) Public
(c) Joint
(d) Trade
9. Which of the following are NOT examples of
government consumer protection?
(a) Price control
(b) Comparing prices for the same product
(c) Food and drug inspection
(d) Import regulations
10. Pick the best ending to this sentence: Tourism
contributes to the Caribbean economy mainly
through…
(a) Direct and indirect employment
(b) Sales of souvenirs
(c) Development of infrastructure
(d) Sale of land
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Paper 2 Practice Questions
Paper 2 Practice Questions
Section A
1. (a) Give definitions for the following terms: matrifocal, alimony, inheritance.
(b) Identify some of the changes to the roles of men and women within the family in recent times.
(c) Choose THREE contemporary social issues and outline possible reasons for each.
(d)Explain, giving examples, why addressing issues of poverty, inequality and education can improve many
social problems. State TWO other ways that social issues can be improved.
2. (a) Describe the characteristics of a primary and a formal group.
(b) In what ways does a secondary social group differ from a primary one? State THREE ways.
(c) Give definitions for the terms social norms and organisations.
(d)List the FIVE different functional categories of institutions and for EACH give an example of an institution
in this category.
Section B
3. (a) Explain the difference between a human resource and a physical resource.
(b)Explain the term ‘population distribution’ and list the different influences on this. Explain the term
‘population change’ and list the different influences on this.
(c)Identify TWO possible reasons for migration to an urban area and outline why an urban area is better
equipped to offer these things than a rural area. What negative aspects might there be to migrating to an
urban area?
(d)Describe what sustainable development is. Why is it so important? List some sustainable actions that
individuals, groups and businesses can take.
4. (a) Outline FIVE major challenges facing the Caribbean region.
(b)‘All Caribbean countries should work to overcome the obstacles to regional integration. We are stronger
together.’ Write a paragraph, giving reasons, supporting this view.
(c)Write mission statements for BOTH CARICOM and the Regional Development Fund. Your statements
should be no longer than a paragraph each and should refer to the aims and objectives of each
organisation and state why these organisations are needed.
(d)Write a short speech promoting regional integration to leaders of Caribbean nations and outlining ways
that it can be achieved. Your speech should make recommendations for how citizens, businesses and
government can promote regional integration as well as identify how ONE NAMED regional agency
contributes to regional integration.
Section C
5. Write an essay to support the argument that the mass media is needed to promote regional integration. Give
examples of how the mass media achieves this.
6. Write an article for a consumer magazine which:
■■ Recognises the reasons for and benefits of saving and practising thrift
■■ Gives FIVE top tips for how consumers can protect themselves
■■ Outlines the impact of devaluation on the consumer.
7. Imagine you are a tourist operator planning to build a tourist resort in an area of natural beauty in a
Caribbean country of your choice. Write a proposal to the government stating the type of tourism that your
resort will specialise in and why this is needed. Your proposal should outline the ways in which your resort will
consider the local environment and practise sustainable tourism. Your proposal should also outline how your
resort will benefit local people, infrastructure and the economy and identify the infrastructure that your resort
will require.
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Answers to Test Yourself Questions
Answers to Test Yourself
Questions
Page 7: Procreation, discipline, provision, teaching,
socialisation. 1. Developing citizens through teaching about
values and attitudes, rights and responsibilities. 2. It’s the first
group that a child is part of, it develops identity.
Page 8: Extended, nuclear, sibling, single-parent.
Page 8: 1. Marriage, common, visiting, monogamy.
2. Focused on the mother, based on the father’s line
(descendants).
Page 9: 1. Own answer. 2. Man: provider, DIY, taking out
rubbish. Woman: housekeeper, cook, bringing up children.
Give own opinion on whether you think roles should remain
divided. 3. Lack of discipline, lack of a father figure, lack of
finance.
Page 10: 1. Money, time, meal preparation, help
with homework, transportation, emotional support,
entertainment, physical exercise. 2. Eat well, abstain from
alcohol and drugs, light exercise, rest. 3. Save money, stay
home more, healthy lifestyle. 4. Your own answer should
consider a child’s physical, educational, emotional and
economic needs.
Page 11: 1. Own answer. 2. Own answer should identify
patience, sacrifice, knowledge, discipline, meal-planning and
preparation, finances and socialising skills. People need to
consider whether they can provide these qualities before
having a baby.
Page 12: Own answer, based on research.
Page 13: 1. Children may steal as a result of poverty.
They may be frustrated, bored or angry through lack of
opportunity or a difficult family life, leading them to behave
badly. 2. An individual may be used as a slave or for sexual
exploitation, causing misery and suffering. A person’s family
would be worried and sad about a trafficked family member.
Page 14: 1. To ensure that family members are provided
for when a person dies. 2. Bigamy, a person being underage,
a person being forced to marry. 3. Due to changing family
unions, family laws should give equal protection to all types
of unions/families. Domestic violence laws should protect
against all forms of violence, including mental abuse and
abuse against men.
Page 16: Timeline should run from 4000 BC when
Amerindians arrived, show Taino people arriving 500 BC,
between 1600–1700 AD Africans arrive, Europeans in 1492
and Asian migration between 1800–1900 BC.
Page 16: 1. Any two of the following: Christianity,
architecture, cricket, government/education system. 2. Asian.
3. Any of the following benefits: mix of food, diversity, arts
and crafts, tourism, festivals. Any of the following drawbacks:
conflict, tension, fighting, divides.
Page 17: 1. Primary: housemates. Secondary: cast of
a play. Formal: political party. Informal: youth group. 2.
Social benefits, acceptance, sense of identity, like-minded
people, helping each other. 3. Disagreements, arguments
over how money is spent, lack of respect, intolerance, lack of
cooperation.
Page 17: Girls looking at magazine: compromise. Boys
playing table tennis: competition. Boy and girl arguing over
CD: conflict. Leader bringing cake and member of youth
group carrying plates: cooperation.
Page 18: Own answer should demonstrate how three of
the following are displayed in the organisation: hierarchy,
symbols/rituals, rules, function, endurance.
Page 19: Religious school: religious/educational. Council
offices: political. Museum: recreational/educational.
Restaurant: recreational. Prison: political.
Page 22: 1. Pie chart should show the APNU-AFC with a
very slightly bigger share. 2. This wasn’t enough to earn a
minimum percentage and therefore a seat. 3. Even though
parties get votes, they may not get seats in parliament. 4. PR,
PR, FPTP, PR, FPTP, PR.
Page 24: Own answer based on stages involved in
preparing for election, e.g. select candidates; raise funds –
approach sympathetic businesses, run fundraising events;
prioritise issues – unemployment, crime; write manifesto
– based on priority issues, send out to all party members;
campaign – local and national media, rallies, face-to-face
work; appoint a team to monitor the opposition; appoint a
team to monitor election process.
Page 26: In between Preparation of outline and First
reading, insert:
Draft: the first draft of the bill is written and sent to the
cabinet
In between Second reading and Report stage, insert:
Committee stage – If the bill is approved, a small working
group will study it in detail and make any necessary changes
At end of flow chart, insert:
Assent stage – If the Senate agrees to the bill, it is sent to
the head of state for approval. After this, it becomes law.
Page 27: Prime minister: leads cabinet; civil servant:
implements government policies; minister: is assigned
portfolio; junior minister: assists minister.
Page 28: 1. Magistrates’ court, High Court, Court of
Appeal, Caribbean Court of Justice, Privy Council. 2. So
that its decisions are not influenced by other branches of
government. Sometimes it may need to judge government
officials.
105
Answers to Test Yourself Questions
Page 29: The amount of income a government has for
public spending.
Page 29: Own answers.
Page 30: 1. Constitution: A document that sets out
the rules and principles, freedoms and rights of a society.
Democracy: A society where people are allowed to speak
freely and influence how their country is run. Authoritarian:
A society where the ruler has ultimate control. 2. To protect
people’s rights, to inform laws. 3. Right to a nationality: to
contribute to the development of the country and society;
Right to own property: to maintain your property; Right to
work: to work to the best of your abilities.
Page 33: 1. 20–24 year olds. 2. Working people. 3. Women.
Page 34: The densely populated areas (towns, cities and
capital city) are located on low, flat land where people
can build and farm. Unpopulated areas are tropical forest,
wetland and mountainous areas.
Page 34: Montserrat: 4.96, Barbados: 8.44, Saint Lucia: 6.28,
Trinidad and Tobago: 13.46, St Kitts and Nevis: 6.41.
Page 35: 22.2. The island had a positive net migration.
Page 36: Push factors: no jobs, boredom, lack of
opportunity, persecution, underdevelopment, more
opportunities, better education. Pull factors: modern
infrastructure, culture, more and better facilities, more jobs,
lack of opportunity.
Page 36: Push factors: crowds, competition for jobs,
homes and resources, crime rate, pollution. Pull factors:
fresh air, space to build and farm, less competition for jobs,
safer.
Positive
effects
Negative
effects
Individual
Origin country
Host country
Employment,
near family
and friends,
education
More resources
in country for
people who are
left, more space
More money
and skills in
the country,
larger
workforce
Away from
Brain drain,
Overcrowding,
family and
underpopulation, more demand
friends,
increased
for resources
overcrowding,
dependent
and jobs
competing for
population
work, increased
living costs
Page 38: 1. Education, nutrition and health, sports and
culture, scholarships. 2. Own answer. Give reasons for your
choice. 3. Own answer based on research. Generally, primary
and secondary education is free. In some countries early
years and tertiary education needs to be paid for. Adult
education is normally paid for, unless an adult receives
government support.
106
Page 39: 1. Wholesale and retail trade. 2. You may decide
to train and gain experience in the wholesale or retail trade
as this is the biggest employer. Alternatively, as lots of people
will compete for jobs in retail, you may decide to train in a
specialised area where there are fewer jobs but also fewer
people competing for them. 3. Because these jobs need
very specific training which only a few people would have.
Also, because there are only limited numbers of companies
providing these services.
Page 40: 1. Rights: sick leave, holiday leave, regular breaks,
fair pay, comfortable working conditions. Responsibilities:
be punctual and reliable, work hard, perform duties on job
description, respect confidentiality, respect other staff. 2. a.
interests; b. fulfilment; c. job description.
Page 42: Road: asphalt. Car, tin cans, food packaging:
aluminium. Car: petroleum. Grocers shop: cement, glass,
limestone.
Page 43: 1. Renewable resources occur naturally and
can be replenished. Non-renewable resources also occur
naturally but are limited and one day will run out. 2. All
types of energy which do not damage the environment.
3. Petroleum (used as fuel made from crude oil, mined in
Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Belize), bauxite (used
for aluminium, mined in Guyana and Jamaica), gold and
diamonds (used for jewellery, artefacts and industrial tools,
mined in Guyana) or asphalt, marble and limestone (used in
roads and construction, mined across the Caribbean).
Page 45: Social: debt, unemployment, inadequate
technology. Trade/economic: international trade, lack
of skills and export diversification, debt, unemployment,
inadequate technology. Natural: size, vulnerability to natural
disasters.
Page 47: Globalisation, trading area, goods, labour and
money, unemployment, underemployment, economy,
reduction in inequality, increased cooperation.
Page 49: 1. Haiti and Guyana. 2. CARIFTA was formed
in 1965 and became CARICOM in 1973. 3. The Treaty of
Basseterre. 4. It also includes Latin American countries.
Page 51: 1. Secretariat: offices responsible for the
administration and secretarial affairs of organisations.
Budget: a plan of financial income and outgoings of
an organisation or individual. Treaties: international
agreements signed by member countries. 2. The OECS
secretariat is located in St Lucia. The CARICOM secretariat is
based in Guyana. 3. To manage different areas of work.
Answers to Test Yourself Questions
Page 52: 1. Own answer which should identify a social
issue and state how Caribbean states could tackle this issue
together through discussion, shared resources, unified
laws and joint actions. Conflicts may arise related to the
cost of this response, how best to tackle the problem
and the extent to which each country contributes. 2.
Globalisation: connectedness of different countries through
trade, technology, finance and communications. Trade
liberalisation: relaxing of trade laws between countries.
Trading blocs: regionally based groups of countries that
remove trade barriers so they can trade freely.
Page 53: 1. Guyana and the Dominican Republic have the
most. St Kitts and Nevis has the least. 2. Guyana and the
Dominican Republic. 3. Guyana and the Dominican Republic
could help to support weaker economies. However, this may
cause tension if these countries resent subsidising other
countries.
Page 54: Direct: reduced transaction costs between
member countries; financial savings for citizens of member
countries; no need to exchange currency between countries;
a more stable exchange rate; easier to compare costs of
goods and services across member countries (greater
transparency); easier movement across different countries.
Indirect: stronger economies; more investment in the region
as a result of stronger economies; improved trade across the
region and internationally; greater regional identity.
Page 55: 1. Buy locally produced goods and services,
respect fellow Caribbean citizens, set up and invest in local
businesses. 2. Through literature, advertising, teaching about
regional integration in schools. 3. OECS, CARICOM, ACS,
CSME.
Page 57: 1. RSS, CONCACAF, CARPHA, CCJ. 2. CARDI –
promotes and develops agriculture across the Caribbean;
WICB – promotes international partnership and development
of cricket; CMC – develops media and communication across
the Caribbean; CXC – oversees primary and secondary
education across member countries.
Page 60: 1. Letter, newspaper, cell phone, TV. 2. Face-toface communication, book, magazine, landline. 3. Verbal:
speech, book, songs, letter, instructions. Non-verbal: scream,
mime, picture, graph, map, shaking hands.
Page 61: Telex: sending written messages down
a telephone network. Facsimile: sending written
communication long distances down a telephone line.
Telephones: communicating verbally over a long distance
using wire or radio. Telegraph: an old-fashioned way of
sending and receiving messages by electrical or radio signal.
For all of these methods, a special machine is needed.
Page 61: 1. Laptop or iPad as these are light and
transportable and a young person will know about modern
technology and have good internet connection. Television
and radio as they provide entertainment and are affordable
and familiar. Also do not require internet connection which
may not be available. Computer or laptop and a phone
(cell and landline) as these media allow teleconference calls,
texts, phone calls, email and documents transfer. 2. Benefits:
communication easier and more widespread, benefits
business and enables information to be shared. Drawbacks:
expensive, taking away face-to-face contact, enables
dangerous or antisocial behaviour to be shared.
Page 62: 1. Lack of clear communication, age difference.
2. Prejudice, status, mistrust. 3. Unresolved conflict, strained
relationship. 4. Strained relationship, mistrust, stress. 5.
Failure of equipment
Page 63: News stories, events, travel reports, weather
information, business news, useful contact information.
Page 66:
Benefits of global
mass media
Drawbacks of global
mass media
Perceptions
Good to know other
people’s views.
Can cause upset or
confusion, challenge
people’s own
perceptions.
Attitudes,
values and
behaviour
Can influence these
for good.
Can influence these
negatively.
Identity
Can promote
regional identity and
way of life.
Imported
programming can
dilute regional identity
through introducing
other cultures and
ways of life.
Nationalism
and
regionalism
Local programming
can reinforce
national and
regional pride.
Imported programming
can threaten national
and regional pride.
Freedom of
expression
Allows anyone to
express themselves.
People can express
wrong, immoral or
criminal views.
Creativity
Increases access
to creativity and
information; local
programming can
promote local arts.
Global media may
dominate viewing
figures meaning that
local programming and
artists suffer.
Page 67: 1. Cultural groups, artists, mass media,
organisations/institutions. 2. Cultural groups and artists have
the expertise and passion to communicate culture through
their work but can only communicate to a small audience,
the mass media depends on artists and programmers to
bring culture into programming but can reach a large
audience, institutions have money to invest in culture but
may be restricted by rules and regulations as well as finding
appropriate groups to fund. 3. Yes, because selling Caribbean
culture to a mass market helps create the money needed
to conserve it. Also, the more people that know about and
appreciate Caribbean culture, the more support there will be
to conserve it.
Page 68: 1. Own answer. 2. government, laws, control,
private.
107
Answers to Test Yourself Questions
Page 70: 1. Copied films, downloaded music, copied essays.
2. Films, textbooks, pop songs, poems, novels. 3.
Benefits of intellectual property
laws
Benefits of sharing
resources
Creator of piece of work is
rewarded/recognised
Piece of work reaches a
wider audience
Only the creator and publisher of
the work benefit financially
People can access a piece
of work for free
Page 74: 1. Goods: clothes (uniform), can of cola, cell
phone, backpack, textbooks. Services: public transport (bus),
education (school), telecommunications (cell phone service
provider). 2. Own answer. 3. Schools – textbooks, university
– lecturers, football team – kits, small business – office, tour
guides – tourist attractions, financial advisor – stationery,
hospital – medicines, restaurant chain – fish supplier.
Page 74: 1. If they need a good or service that they can’t
pay for immediately, e.g. to pay a plumber to fix a leaking
pipe in their house. 2. It’s more expensive than buying an
item outright but allows people who couldn’t afford to pay
for the item outright to still enjoy it. 3. $80,000.
Page 75: A drink is being advertised. This is a persuasive
advertisement. Associations with fun, relationship, leisure
and attractiveness.
Page 76: ATM; debit and credit cards; e-commerce; telebanking; internet banking.
Page 77: 1. So all retailers have a fair chance of competing
for business and customers have a choice of goods and
services. 2. For impartiality purposes, so that there’s no bias
or personal preference in decisions made.
Page 78: 1. They can support and inform each other, they
are more powerful. 2. Research a product or service, get a
receipt for their purchase, complain, write reviews on social
media, demand a refund or exchange.
Page 79: 1. Food and toiletry payments could be reduced
through buying cheaper products and reducing waste.
Savings payments could be reduced. Rent, bills and perhaps
fuel expenses cannot change. 2. This is an effective budget
as all expenses are accounted for and some money is saved
each week. There is also some disposable income left for
special or unexpected purchases, although this amount may
need to be increased. 3. Own answer.
Page 80: 1. Own answer. 2. A credit union offers all the
same benefits as a bank, including interest, bank cards and
e-commerce, as well as promoting good financial practices
and supporting communities.
Page 81: 1. Investing in locally produced products. 2. Using
products creatively. 3. Keeping people healthy.
108
Page 83: 1. Devaluation is the reduction of one currency
compared with another. Inflation is an increase in the cost of
goods and services over time. 2. Recycling/reusing, sharing/
pooling resources, making own fun (rather than spending
money on entertainment), making use of food leftovers.
Page 83: 1. Own examples – people may prefer imported
products due to price, quality, advertising or association.
2. Form trading partnerships so that they can compete in
international trade, educate citizens about supporting local
and regional producers and businesses.
Page 87: 1. The tourism sector/industry in the Caribbean
is adapting to the demands of today’s tourist. Many people
want more than just a traditional beach holiday and resorts
offering sports and health/eco tourism are developing as a
result. 2. Own answers – might include Junkanoo, Trinidad
Carnival, Crop Over, cricket matches, CONCACAF champions
league.
Page 88: 1. Television and radio advertising, travel
brochures, magazine articles, word of mouth, billboards
and any other means you can think of. 2. List should include
accessibility, infrastructure, airports and seaports, safety and
security, tourist services, in your own order of priority.
Page 89: 1. US dollar, UK pound, euro, Chinese yuan. 2.
Own answer – may include gardeners, beach patrol, bar
workers, shopkeepers, taxi drivers.
Page 89: head tax; hotel tax; restaurant licence; departure
tax.
Page 89: 1. Benefits: creates local jobs, improves
infrastructure and services for local people, attracts more
tourists which improves economy. Drawbacks: less money
spent on other areas such as education, land used for tourist
development, lack of workers in other areas. 2. Own answer
– may be telecommunications, development of a beach for
tourists and locals, improved health or security services.
Page 90: Managerial; hotel manager. Clerical/
administrative: hotel receptionist. Professional: chef, market
researcher. Technical: IT support worker, website manager.
Unskilled: gardener, waiter.
Page 91: Hotel manager: hospitality/management
qualification, experience of working in a hotel. Receptionist:
office/people skills, switchboard training. Chef: catering
qualification, kitchen experience. Cleaner: no qualifications
needed, may not need experience. Gardener: may complete
apprenticeship.
Page 92: Obstructed view, green space, trees cut down,
tidal patterns affected, decline in marine life.
Answers to Test Yourself Questions
Page 93: Use recycled water and alternative energy
sources, serve sustainable food, don’t build on wetland,
provide rubbish bins, build open-air bars and restaurants
(no air conditioning), buy local produce, walk and use public
transport where possible, hire local guides. Discourage
guests from buying or removing coral, dropping litter,
picking plants, touching wild animals.
Page 94: Your questionnaire should include questions
about the tourist’s experience of local culture, impressions of
local people, thoughts on local food, opinions of hotel and
services. The questionnaire should also give the opportunity
for feedback on how the holiday could have been improved.
Page 95: 1. That they are lazy, rich, uncultured, unfriendly,
uneducated about the Caribbean way of life. 2. Cheaper rates
and special deals at hotels, restaurants and attractions.
Page 96: 1. Hospitals – doctors, nurses, administration
and management staff, paramedics (ambulance workers).
Hotel – receptionists, managers, chefs. Airport – pilots, flight
attendants, check-in staff, customs staff. Restaurant – chefs,
waiting staff, manager. Running water – plumbers. 2. Any
three of the following: Impose fines for people or companies
dumping chemicals or litter; Control where and how many
new developments can be built; Provide waste and sewage
collection and treatment plants; Provide beach patrol; Create
laws to protect coral reefs and marine life; Run schemes to plant
trees and plants to replace those that have been removed.
Page 97: 1. Donor agencies. 2. Hotel associations, tourist
boards, Departments/Bureaus/Ministries of Tourism. 3.
Caribbean Tourism Organisation. 4. Caribbean Hotel
Association. 5. Hospitality training institutions.
Page 98: 1. Research: questionnaires given to hotel guests
(electronic or printed), surveys on websites, focus/discussion
groups. Marketing: advertising, registering with travel
agencies, creating website, putting on/attending events.
2. Beach holiday: relaxation, sun, sand and sea, nightlife,
beautiful surroundings. New York: famous sites, shopping,
entertainment e.g. theatre and bars, cultural attractions e.g.
museums.
Page 99: 1. Marketing: promoting a product or service in
order to sell it. Emerging destinations: places only recently
becoming popular as holiday destinations. Aviation hubs:
main airports receiving international, long-haul flights and
providing connecting flights. Visas: authorisations to visit
a country. 2. Ensure regular and affordable regional flights,
regional marketing, promotions for regional tourists, hosting
local events. 3. Own answer – reasons for standardising
visa requirements across Caribbean might be ease of travel
and regional integration. Reasons not to may be security,
independence.
Page 100: 1. Quick and easy, can research from home,
all information in one place, no need for lots of phone calls
or heavy holiday brochures, interactive – people can leave
and read others’ comments/feedback. 2. Benefits: reduces
expense of printed brochures, information can be updated
easily, can access customers worldwide, reduces number of
staff as customers can make own reservations. Drawbacks:
depends on people having computers and internet access,
people might not discover a company’s website, initial
expense of setting up the website and e-booking facilities,
people may leave bad reviews.
109
Glossary
Glossary
Black market Illegal trade in goods or
Free trade agreements Agreements
services.
made between countries to remove trade barriers
and legislation.
Cohesion The state of being bound together.
GDP The combined monetary value of all goods
Death rate The rate at which people die per
thousand people in the population.
and services produced in a country within a given
time, usually a year.
Democratic Form of rule in which
Gerrymandering Manipulating
government is elected by public vote to represent
the people’s views.
constituency boundaries to influence votes.
Globalisation The connectedness of
Dependency ratio Number of dependants
(children and the elderly) compared to working
population.
different countries through trade, technology,
finance and communications.
Interest The money paid by banks and
Dictatorial Form of government where the
ruler has unrestricted authority.
building societies to account holders in return
for saving with them; money added to debt
repayments in exchange for receiving a loan.
Dumping Selling a large quantity of goods
below market price.
Kinship A group of people with common
ancestry.
Ecology Branch of biology dealing with the
relations of organisms to one another and to their
physical surroundings.
Marginal seats Constituencies where the
current Member of Parliament has a small majority
of votes.
Economy of scale Reducing production
costs by manufacturing large quantities of goods.
Market economy The economy in which
goods and services are produced and sold.
Electronic transaction Performing a
financial transaction using electronic means such
as the internet or an ATM.
Market research Discovering the views of
Employer’s charter A document that lists
Monogamy Marriage between one wife and
an employer’s entitlements.
one husband.
Export value The price buyers will pay for an
MPs Members of Parliament.
the public on particular issues, goods or services.
exported good.
Multilateral agreements Agreements,
Floating voters People who have not yet
decided how they will vote in an election.
110
usually political or financial, between three or
more countries.
Glossary
Naturalisation Citizenship of a country.
Sexually transmitted diseases
(STDs) Diseases spread through sexual activity.
Patronage refund A financial reward
offered by a credit union to longstanding members
and/or members who have contributed to the
scheme.
Social issues Longstanding problems
Polyandry Having more than one husband.
Trade liberalisation Relaxing of trade
within society that negatively affect large groups
of people.
laws and restrictions between countries.
Polygyny Having more than one wife.
Trading blocs Regionally based groups of
Scholarship Financial sponsorship to attend
a school, university or training scheme which a
student otherwise could not afford.
countries that remove trade barriers in order to
trade freely with each other.
111
112
San José
COSTA
RICA
Nicaragua
N
George Town
Panama
Cayman Islands
Havana
USA
The Caribbean islands: a political map
Colombia
Turks and Caicos
Islands
S e a
300 km
Venezuela
Caracas
Bridgetown
Port of Spain
Trinidad
St George’s Tobago
Grenada
Kingstown
Barbados
Castries
Fort-de-France
Roseau
St Lucia
Martinique
Dominica
Guadeloupe Basse-Terre
Plymouth
International boundary
Capital city
Anguilla
Antigua and Barbuda
St John’s
St Kitts
and Basseterre
Nevis
Montserrat
Key
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Puerto US
Rico Virgin
Islands
British
Virgin
Islands
A t l a n t i c
O c e a n
San Juan
Curacao Bonaire
Santo
Domingo
Haiti Dominican
Republic
Port- au-Prince
Bahamas
C a r i b b e a n
Kingston
Jamaica
Cuba
Nassau
150
Scale 1 : 14 285 000
0