Oct 29, 2017 | 10:45 AM - 12:15 PM | Main Loft

Collin Constantine, MA

A Community Divided: Top Incomes in CARICOM Member States

Using a newly created dataset this article traces the evolution of top income shares in CARICOM member states from 1960-2015. The paper assesses the dynamics of the top 1%, 5% and 10% in respective countries. Belize, Suriname, Guyana, Jamaica and Haiti are high inequality countries as compared to Trinidad, The Bahamas, Barbados and St. Lucia. Barbados is the only low inequality country that is converging to its high inequality peers, while Belize experiences the greatest decline in top incomes. The article argues that differential European settlement and land size can adequately explain why the countries are divided into high and low inequality groups and structural adjustment policies and natural disasters can account for the volatility observed in top incomes. The article illustrates how inequality between countries can explain the migration disputes associated with Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad. Further, it demonstrates how inequality within countries affects the growth process, worsen overall inequality and engender elite-centric politics.

Barnabas Chemachukwu Okere, MA

A Study On Gender Mainstreaming: The Case Of A Rural University In Limpopo Province, South Africa

Gender mainstreaming has been adopted as a strategy for promoting gender equality in institutions of higher learning Worldwide, not least in Africa. This study investigated Gender Mainstreaming at the University of Venda, (UNIVEN) in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The study was based on the Feminist Theoretical Framework. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used. A case study research design was adopted. The study involved a population of 60 participants and a sample of 25 male and female workers selected using the purposive sampling technique. Data were presented in pie charts, tables, themes and in textual forms. Data were analysed through descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The major findings and conclusions of the study were that the University of Venda faces enormous challenges in mainstreaming gender in the university functions. There are perceptions that most strategic higher positions in the institution are dominated by men while women are marginalized. Although the University has policies on gender, staff members do not know about them while management does not implement its policies.  UNIVEN makes use of the Employment Equity Act of 1998, but it is not clear whether line managers are aware of its implementation and how. In addition, favouritism, nepotism, patronage, and patriarchy played a role in gender mainstreaming. The study recommended that there should be more gender awareness activities, such as workshops, conferences, and symposia for workers and staff members in order to sensitize them about gender towards understanding. The study also recommended that deserving female staff members should be promoted, and all employees should be encouraged to read and understand gender polices. In addition, management should implement the institutions and national gender policies without fear or favour.

Roger McCoy, MA

World View of Women in Leadership – A Discussion of  Global Gender Parity in Business & Government with a Review & Recommendations.

This seminar paper identifies and assists our understanding of the factors that allow gender inequality, specifically how it prevents female parity in senior business and government leadership roles.  It is a review of the status of gender equality generally, and specifically within business and government.  It will appraise information from various countries and cultures while analyzing the differing levels of gender equity performance and to evaluate potential causes and suggest solutions to remedy these inequalities.  In addition, a review of the opportunities for women as entrepreneurs will be completed.  Areas of research and evaluation include historical and cultural factors, government types, economy types, governments’ commitments to gender equality, religious differences, and possible racial factors.   The most recent possible research sources will be used in this evaluation. Although covering regions throughout the world, there is an emphasis on the situation in the United States and “Western” countries. Included are identification of relationships between racial diversity and cultural religiosity and the related levels of gender inequality.  8 Steps are recommended for modern economies to reduce inequality.