This project studies the incorporation of a diverse rural population into the banana industry of Belize. An anthropologist from the University of South Alabama will conduct an ethnographic study of ethnic diversity in the recruitment and deployment of workers from Black and Indian ethnic origins. The project will examine the differences between ethnicity and class as causes of labor force participation by interviewing workers, growers, and processors in depth, on their values and opinions about the appropriate work for members of different ethnic groups. This research is important because ethnic hostilities are a common cause of labor force troubles. This case study of a local industry in a multi-ethnic area will provide valuable information on the nature of ethnic hostility, and how it relates to socio- economic class differences. This information will be valuable to those concerned with minimizing ethnic antagonisms in labor forces in similar situations.
