The Intersection of Class and Gender-Based Violence in the Caribbean

Content warning: This post contains mentions of gender-based violence and multiple forms of abuse.

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNCHR), Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is defined as harm directed at an individual based on their gender. This form of violence can range from sexual, physical, mental, and financial harm. Albeit in public or private settings, or between relationships that are familial, romantic, platonic, or otherwise, it is apparent that GBV disproportionately affects women at higher rates. This exists amongst various groups; whether it be racial, religious, ethnic, or other diasporic groups, and can intersect with another, increasing the risks for those more susceptible to such harm. One factor that enhances such risk is class, where class dynamics significantly alter the experiences of those impacted by GBV. GBV within the Caribbean continues to be prevalent, depicting relationships to class dynamics that significantly impact susceptible groups.

Social stratification is defined as categorizations of people within society, being placed within tiers on the classifications of class, race, wealth, and power. These classifications create the outline of which these groups are treated within society based on their access to resources, care, and fair treatment. There is a clear bias within these groups, as those on the higher tiers are granted different circumstances compared to those on the lower tiers. Those on the lower and more specifically, last tiers are disenfranchised and negatively impacted at higher rates due to their identities within their groups. Class dynamics are a key element in social stratification, being further defined based on closed and open systems.

Closed systems offer little room for change in status whereas open systems allow members the opportunity to change status based on their achievements and interaction amongst classes. In terms of class dynamics, this means that particular groups will be allowed advancements others may not, particularly those with access to the prerequisites to do so. Not all classes are granted equal access to resources and other necessities and these determinants vary on the classes themselves. The classes range from the upper class, upper-middle-class, lower-middle-class, the working class, and the underclass. At times based on the social setting, some classes can be a conjunction of two or more classes, reflecting similarities based on other intersecting elements such as race, ethnicities, and geographical location. Although considered a melting pot for various races, ethnicities and more, there are social constructs that define our identities in ways we may not, ourselves. These separate communities and create greater opportunities for persons to be disenfranchised in a number of ways.

Understanding the differences and disparities amongst classes is important in recognizing the correlation between class and GBV. Classes on the higher tiers such as the upper and middle classes are those with financial and social resources that may be unattainable to lower classes. They are typically those who are afforded advancements based on nepotism, cronyism and familiarize themselves in similar settings to maintain accessibility. This means that in contrast to the lower classes, they are granted different treatment based on their identity and the perception that they are of greater importance in society. The bias works in their favour and at times can be used to cause distress and harm, under the confidence that they are absolved from accountability.

This differs significantly for the lower classes, as the majority in these groups range from the working class to those greatly impacted by poverty, unemployment, and other concerning factors. They are disenfranchised based on their class identity and are not granted similar opportunities and resources as those of the upper classes. These groups become more susceptible to various forms of harm with reduced resources for care, safety, and protection. The system that plays in class dynamics works in such a way that it further contributes to the harm of those at greater risk, minimizing opportunities for help. This though does not negate the probability that even in upper classes GBV is prevalent, impacting persons based on intersecting factors in the process.

The intersecting factors that can create worsening effects in class dynamics are expansive, ranging from race, ethnicities, gender, and other identities that typically face their associated prejudices and stigmas. The identities within classes create their sub-categories, such as between men and women, depicting that even in these groups there are tiers of their own. The significance of intersectionality here is that despite the clear differences between social groups, there are separate tiers in each category that result in different experiences for members. Social stratification and intersectionality go hand in hand, relying on the other associated identities to determine where particular groups are placed. If we look into the basis of stratification, to begin with, it heavily relies on other classifications that are their determinants for how groups are treated and what is available to them.

These classifications function simultaneously with the effects of capitalism, as wealth is a key element in placement. Capitalism further exacerbates socio-economic issues that vastly impact groups through unemployment, poverty, reduced availability of services, and exploitation. Different groups amongst the tiers experience reduced financial support and this contributes to the rates of GBV, especially where a level of dependency exists. Wealth advances one's status but for those on the opposite end, financial instability creates greater risk. In the Caribbean, many households and communal groups are dependent on other members for their access to finances and social support. The culture amongst members can determine values, particularly roles to which each member must fulfil. These create complications where reliance is present on those with the resources required by other members and in dynamics where power is abused, this can result in harm for those dependent on another.

The Caribbean is a compilation of different social, racial, and ethnic groups that in their way are categorized in several classes. Not each member is granted similar status and some are disadvantaged in contrast to others, particularly amongst women. Due to the culture in society, women are placed at a certain level that is beneath men in their social groups and relationships, and the structural and systemic impact of this creates stigmas that fail to validate the humanity of women. Power dynamics take precedence, considering men to be of a higher status, and are granted certain advancements women in certain classes are not. This has led to disproportionate rates of GBV, wherein any relationship persons are harmed at high rates with inadequate efforts for resolution and repair.

In these power structures, there is often financial dependency based on who is afforded more economic support and resources. For example, the “breadwinner” may have a level of independence that permits them the ability to navigate on their own accord, whereas those reliant may be under particular constraints. Here, financial dependence creates vulnerability for persons amongst classes that can make them more prone to mistreatment and harm. Frustration can arise with the role of being primary financial support alongside other responsibilities, leading to one “lashing out” on another.

The culture in this regard is shown, especially in terms of prejudices such as classism, misogyny and sexism, creating a perception that the harm caused is a norm in the culture rather than an alarm towards safety. Notwithstanding the likelihood of how GBV impacts men, existing prejudices invalidate the experiences of men who are affected by GBV, under the guise that their harm shouldn't be taken seriously or are the result of incidents that they are primarily held accountable for. The notions of gender are left to question here, considering that one's culture fits a view that femininity is the weaker of the two—a cis-heteronormative and patriarchal view—and eliminates the idea of complexities and behaviours outside of that scope. Men also fall victim to this norm, either by reinforcing the notions of hypermasculinity that can be harmful to other groups or by the assumption that they cannot experience harm in its entirety.

Class dynamics impact the perspectives of womanhood and Marxist-feminist ideologies. With social stratification, women are disproportionately affected by the alignment of where they belong in society and the roles they must play. The efforts to challenge these notions have displayed the connections to male-dominated fields, ensuring that women do not access the same opportunities men are granted. What has been emphasized in where women stand is the view of being property in contrast to the humanness of men. These ideologies have thoroughly critiqued these notions and the role of capitalism in treating women as a commodity, not only expected to offer labour in their gender roles but also an item at men’s disposal.

The social impact of this continues to place affected groups at great risk. They are unable to access services for their safety and to endure unacceptable/atrocious conditions. Culture shifts are required to address the social systems in place that leave them at a great disadvantage. The essence of class in alignment with capitalist values places social groups in disarray, with little to no room for absolution of restorative efforts and repair. Class and GBV are intertwined and rather than being accepted, greater attention should be paid to abolishing all that creates harmful environments in the process.

About the author

Princess Avianne Charles is a Trinidadian writer and blogger. With experience in the field of Occupational Safety and Health, she promotes safer spaces and advocates for human rights both in and out of the workplace.