Jamaican Leaders

Jamaican Leaders: Political Attitudes in a New Nation by Wendell Bell explores the sociopolitical landscape of Jamaica during its transformative journey from colonial rule to full independence. Bell delves into the emergence of nationalism and the ideological shifts among Jamaican leaders as they navigated questions of sovereignty, democracy, and global alignments. Drawing on systematic data collection, including one of the first questionnaire surveys conducted in Jamaica, the book examines the factors influencing nationalist attitudes and the cleavages within the elite that reflected broader societal divisions. Bell’s approach situates Jamaica’s nation-building experience within the broader global rise of nation-states, offering insights into the universal processes of nationalism while remaining grounded in the specifics of Jamaica’s history and culture.

This study is a significant contribution to the sociology of nationalism, balancing empirical rigor with a broader philosophical inquiry into the "should" questions of Jamaica’s future. Bell’s analysis does not merely recount historical events but seeks to illuminate the volitional aspects of nationhood—how leaders conceptualized and attempted to shape the future of their nascent state. By addressing the ideological commitments and internal struggles of Jamaican elites, Jamaican Leaders provides a nuanced understanding of the challenges of directed change and the role of leadership in the creation of new political identities. This work remains a foundational text for understanding the complexities of nationalism in Jamaica and its relevance to the broader study of emerging nations.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1964.