Jamaica’s social order was a finely graded pigmentocracy of caste and class

Evidence

On a day-to-day basis, he grew up living in the “pigmentocracy” of Jamaica, which he once described as being “the most exquisitely differentiated caste and class system in the world.” — Hall, Stuart, Essential Essays, Volume 1, 19

Categorization

Category: Factual Claims

• DEFINE: Introduces the concept of ‘pigmentocracy’ as a specifically colonial form of stratification.

Related

• Trinidad’s color hierarchy measured privilege in gradations finer than race (similarity 0.78)

Broader Connections

• Colonial rule rewarded mixed-bloods according to their degree of whiteness. #corroborates (0.90)
• Mixed-light complexions gain economic and social status in colonial societies #corroborates (0.80) — Cedric J. Robinson, Black Marxism_ The Making of the Black…, 852
• Colonial petit bourgeoisies formed from mixed-race populations and property holdings. #expands (0.70)