hebi sani: mental well being among the working class afro-surinamese in paramaribo, suriname

361 Pages·2017·1.44 MB·English

by  Aminata Cairo

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University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations Graduate School
2007
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Aminata Cairo
University of Kentucky, [email protected]
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Cairo, Aminata, "HEBI SANI: MENTAL WELL BEING AMONG THE WORKING CLASS AFRO-SURINAMESE IN
PARAMARIBO, SURINAME" (2007). University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations. 490.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/gradschool_diss/490
This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at UKnowledge. It has been
accepted for inclusion in University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations by an authorized administrator of
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ABSTRACT OF DISSERTATION

Aminata Cairo

The Graduate School

University of Kentucky

2007
HEBI SANI:
MENTAL WELL BEING AMONG THE WORKING CLASS AFRO-SURINAMESE
IN PARAMARIBO, SURINAME

____________________________________

ABSTRACT OF DISSERTATION
____________________________________

A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy
in the College of Arts and Sciences
at the University of Kentucky

By

Aminata Cairo

Lexington, Kentucky

Director: Dr. Deborah L. Crooks, Professor of Anthropology

Lexington, Kentucky

2007

Copyright © Aminata Cairo 2007
ABSTRACT OF DISSERTATION

HEBI SANI:
MENTAL WELL BEING AMONG THE WORKING CLASS AFRO-SURINAMESE
IN PARAMARIBO, SURINAME

This dissertation describes the results of a two year anthropological investigation
into the concept of mental well being among the working class Afro-Surinamese
population in Paramaribo, Suriname. More specifically, the research investigated how
working class Afro-Surinamese in Paramaribo, Suriname define and maintain their sense
of mental well-being, given their unique ethnic identity within a multi-ethnic and multi-
cultural society, and given that their environment is heavily compromised by negative
globalizing forces
Over the course of two years a total of 62 people contributed information through
group and individual interviews, which was supplemented by information obtained
through participant observation. Findings show a highly complex system of mental well
being that consists of a number of interlocking and interdependent factors, which, when
kept in a harmonious relationship with each other, are presumed to bring mental well
being. There are unique Afro-Surinamese measures available for strengthening mental
well being based in rich and historical cultural traditions that are currently under-utilized,
but have the potential to be revived and introduced for the benefit of people’s mental well
being.
Suriname was selected as a Caribbean country that struggles in a marginalized
political and economic position in regards to the rest of the Caribbean, and in relation to
the world powers. Suriname is also a Dutch Caribbean country about which little
academic information has been published. This research aimed to bring forth a story of a
globally marginalized people, and particularly of a population of African descent. It
aimed to bring attention to the concept of mental well being among African Diaspora
people, and to use the story of a small population as a starting point to connect with and
look at other populations, Diaspora based or otherwise.
Theoretical viewpoints of African Diaspora, Globalization, and a combination of
Black Feminist/Third World Feminist/Caribbean Feminist theories were used to guide
and shape this research. Lastly, an attempt was made to introduce the concept of
Spirituality as a new and complementary aspect of ethnographic methodology.
KEYWORDS: Mental Well Being, Afro-Surinamese, Globalization, African Diaspora,
Marginalization

____Aminata Cairo________

____May 23 , 2007________
HEBI SANI:
MENTAL WELL BEING AMONG THE WORKING CLASS AFRO-SURINAMESE,
IN PARAMARIBO, SURINAME

By

Aminata Cairo

_____Dr. Deborah L. Crooks______
Director of Dissertation

_____Dr. Lisa Cliggett___________
Director of Graduate Studies

_____May 23, 2007_____________
Date
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DISSERTATION

Aminata Cairo

The Graduate School
University of Kentucky
2007
HEBI SANI:
MENTAL WELL BEING AMONG THE WORKING CLASS AFRO-SURINAMESE
IN PARAMARIBO, SURINAME

________________________________

DISSERTATION
________________________________

A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the
College of Arts and Sciences
at the University of Kentucky

By

Aminata Cairo

Lexington, Kentucky

Director: Dr. Deborah L. Crooks, Professor of Anthropology

Lexington, Kentucky

2007

Copyright © Aminata Cairo 2007
This work is dedicated to Sanaa, Nasim, Essien, and Samir; the next generation.
May they stand proud in their heritage.