We Like It So?: The Cultural Roots of Economic Underachievement in Trinidad and Tobago

by Terrence Farrell

In We Like it So? Terrence W. Farrell explores the socio-cultural factors which have been negatively influencing the economic performance of Trinidad and Tobago and arguably the former other former colonial territories in the West Indies. It is intended for a wide readership of Caribbean leaders, persons with an interest in the Caribbean, as well as economists and other social scientists exploring the resurgent area of culture and economic development. The author identifies and discusses eight (8) cultural attributes – Ambivalence; Status, Respect and Respectability; Rules, Authority and Contingent Rule Following; Amusement and Leisure; Risk-taking and Non-possession; Inter-generational Thinking; Corruption and Trickery, and Conflict and Cooperation. These factors are analysed using both historical and contemporary sources - academic, journalistic, and folk. Based on the analysis of these cultural attributes, the author How We Work, How We Invest and Innovate, and How We Make Decisions. The author proposes that by operating 'counter-culturally' in the workplace, Trinidadians and Tobagonians (and West Indians) can improve productivity and economic efficiency and promote economic progress. However, the leaders in Trinidad and Tobago society have to modify their own attitudes and behaviours and the society has to eschew ethnic competition if it is to be successful in achieving cultural change and improving economic performance.

217 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 23, 2017

Reviews

[Niko Khan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was pleasantly surprised by this book. During the initial chapters, the book gave the impression of not being well-written and the author seemed to have trouble putting his thoughts to paper. It was clear that the author was both very intelligent and well-read but not necessarily a great writer. Quite frankly, I did not enjoy the opening chapters but stuck with it as it came highly recommended by a friend. I'm glad I did, the book really comes into its own in the later chapters and Mr. Farrell does a great job of capturing the Trinidadian 'condition'. I don't know if I just got accustomed to his writing style over time, but the book definitely gets way better the further you get. Recommended