Cuba

The island nation of Cuba is part of the Antilles archipelago located in the Caribbean. Cubans identify themselves by ethnicity. A strong national identity emerged from the 1959 socialist revolution that brought Fidel Castro to power. Informal neighborhood gossip networks were turned into Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR) to report subversive activities. Five national mass organizations now provide social outlets for those interested in social reform. Economic difficulties have resulted in the emergence of a vibrant black market economy. Ballet, baseball, cinema, and other forms of art and leisure now provide important communal recreational activities.

Although many Cubans are of mixed ancestry, there is a strong social divide between whites and Afro-Cubans. Cuban society was historically highly stratified, with a wealthy elite marked by their Western lifestyles and material possessions. Socialist ideals were introduced when Fidel Castro assumed power in 1959, greatly reducing social class distinctions. The economy was socialized, with collectivization of agriculture and the conversion of factories and businesses into collective social ownership. There is still a racial distinction in employment networks, with most professional and government positions held by whites.

Since the Cuban Revolution that brought Castro to power and several U.S. attempts to overthrow Castro, a Cuban national identity based on communist ideals and opposition to the United States formed. Many Cubans fled the country in the immediate and long-term aftermath of Castro's ascent to power, creating vibrant Cuban exile communities that maintain strong connections with family still in Cuba. National heroes include Fidel Castro as well as other political figures such as José Martí and Ernesto “Che” Guevara.

Castro's government utilized traditional Cuban gossip networks as social control mechanisms through the creation of the CDR neighborhood watch groups. CDRs and paramilitary groups inhibited social protest movements and terrorist or subversive activities. Afro-Cubans and gays and lesbians also face discrimination. Although the Cuban government has relaxed its prohibition on religious observances, religion plays a much less prominent role in Cuba than in many other Latin American societies. There are followers of Catholicism and Santeria, a religion with its basis among the Yoruba people of Africa. Protestant missionaries have recently attracted converts.