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Introduction- Male Underachievement in the Caribbean

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Introduction- Male Underachievement in the Caribbean

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There is the popular opinion that women's political participation and overall leadership in the region influences male underachievement.

In the Caribbean, men are constantly challenged by women in the field of politics. As the years go by, more women are striving to become political figures, whether they run the country, hold seats in parliament or hold some position of leadership. For example Portia Simpson Miller, who served as Jamaica’s Prime Minister for two political periods, Janet Jagan, Guyana’s former President. Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Trinidad and Tobago’s former Prime Minister, among others.

Although women's political participation is increasing, as compared to male participation, the ratio is relatively small. Majority of political participants are male. Therefore ‘women succeeding in politics’ is not a legit reason for male underachievement. Yes, the males may feel threatened of being replaced by a female but it is no excuse to condone male underachievement.

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Objective 2- Men in women dominated fields

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Objective 2- Men in women dominated fields

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In the contemporary Caribbean, many men move away from typically male dominated professions, for instance: politics, engineering, law, medicine, construction, etc. to fields that are typically dominated by women, such as cosmetology, fashion designing, interior designing, dancing, wedding planning, florists, dressing brides, among many others.

Many males who pursue careers in woman dominated fields are generally self-taught. In most cases, they do not set out to do these careers. When pursuing a higher education, they usually stick to regular male dominated fields, however they may possess certain talents and skills, such as an eye for colour, etc. and used it to benefit themselves and their friends. Realizing the potential they have, they make an enjoyable career out of it

The phenomenon of men pursuing women dominated career should not be considered as male underachievement because firstly, especially in the contemporary Caribbean, these jobs earn a significantly good salary. Secondly, the males are successful and are stilling earning a living, which can provide for their families.

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In the world we live in, though females have taken over male dominated fields, woman are still seen as the softer, more caring sex. Therefore when faced in crime, women are sympathized with more than men. If harmful acts or words are aimed at women, society tends to be in uproar vying for justice.

However, it is rarely heard of for men to be the victim. There are cases on men being the victim in unfortunate circumstances but no one brings it up and fight for men’s rights.

Males are humans too, with emotions whether it is shown openly or not. When justice is not given for the crimes committed against them, they fear for their lives which led to them staying away from places, such as school. No school means no education, which in affect employment opportunities, and results in male underachievement.

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Males growing up in depressed areas tend to have matriarchal homes, which are generally low income, therefore funding for school is limited. As the children progress through school, excelling to higher levels of education, the expenses are also increased which can lead to the males dropping out of school in order to work and earn a living. Hence, economic development contributes to male underachievement however, there are some males who excel beyond expectation, breaking all stereotypes that are associated with their economic status.

All things considered, males who are affected by economic development, have a chance of not falling into the male underachievement category and it is all due to family. It is the support and sacrifices of their families, be it single parent or not, that aid in them excelling. Additionally, the discipline instilled by their parents also play a big part in them succeeding, as well as motivation.