ABSTRACT
Understanding the process of adjustment to Britain and the difficulties which arise during adjustments of immigrants, requires an understanding of the "way of life" of Pakistan and of the West Indies, and especially of the crucial differences between the norms of these societies and those of Great Britain. This chapter provides an overview of two sending societies, with special emphasis on factors such as family structure, social relations, attitudes to school, and the like. An important factor in interpersonal relations in Pakistan is the kinship or "brotherhood" system. One important phenomenon in West Indian society is the position of women. Whereas in Pakistan they are traditionally subservient to men, there is a tendency for West Indian women to have equal status and even to play the role of head-of-the-household. As is the case with Pakistan, the West Indian islands have a tradition of emigration — going to another country to work is regarded as normal.
