On the problem of studying women in Cuba

Abstract

The Cuban Communist party began its most important statement to date on issue of women with simplest of conclusions: In practice, it said, the full equality of women does not yet exist. Yet very simplicity of that phrasing both masks and underlines enormous complexity of issue. With regard to family, continuum approach tells people that, for better or worse, Revolution has had a fairly consistent attitude and has pursued a consistent policy. The sexual division of labor is crucial underpinning to systematic and serious underrepresentation of women in leadership positions in major political institutions of country, including not only governmental structures and party but also youth organization of party and even leadership of mass organizations. The underrepresentation of women in leadership positions in political structures of Cuban society is given a concrete, explicit form in economy.