The Sociology of Trinidad and Tobago's National Development with Dr. Zophia Edwards

Strictly Facts: A Guide to Caribbean History and Culture

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Recently celebrating 62 years of independence, Trinidad and Tobago is regarded as one of the most successful nations in the Caribbean. However, what are the signs of a successful independent nation? In this episode, Dr. Zophia Edwards joins us to discuss the complexity of what constitutes “success” and the role of ordinary people in shaping the country’s trajectory. The heart of our conversation centers on the pivotal role of working people in Trinidad and Tobago's progress both before and after independence. Despite the persistent structural dependencies on natural resources and foreign markets inherited from colonial times, the tenacity and mobilization of the working class have driven notable improvements in material conditions such as lower infant mortality and increased life expectancy. We explore how multiracial and multi-sectoral solidarity among workers, spanning industries from sugar to oil, has consistently fought for equitable wages, better working conditions, and broader societal change, culminating in robust democratic systems and enhanced human welfare.
Finally, we delve into the intersections of race, class, and culture in the Caribbean, highlighting the importance of understanding these dynamics to fully grasp the region's past and future. Discussions on how colonial power funneled different racial groups into specific economic sectors and how workers forged a multiracial movement against oppression, are complemented by the cultural resistance captured in Calypso music and social movements. Dr. Edwards also brings in perspectives from key scholars and contemporary thinkers, shedding light on recent movements and the exploitation of natural resources. Tune in to understand how historical legacies and grassroots organizing continue to shape the Caribbean's path towards justice and liberation.
Zophia Edwards is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Johns Hopkins University. Her research examines race, labor, colonialism, state-building, and comparative development in the Global South. Her forthcoming book with Duke University Press examines the role of multiracial labor movements in state-building and equity-enhancing development in Trinidad and Tobago. She has published in academic journals such as International Journal of Comparative Sociology and her public scholarship appears outlets such as Monthly Review and Clash!
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