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THE ECONOMIC REFORMS IN CUBA: STRENGTHENING THE COUNTRY'S ESSENTIAL SOCIALIST CHARACTER OR A TRANSITION TO CAPITALISM? THE IMPACT ON EDUCATED YOUTH
Abstract
The economic reforms announced by Raúl Castro over two years ago simultaneously opened the economy to a significant degree of privatisation while maintaining the state's political and economic hegemony. This strategy, while opening opportunities to local entrepreneurs and foreign investors, promises to retain the country's revolutionary and social character. While it is too early to make any definitive predictions about whether Cuba is undergoing a process of socialist renewal or one of capitalist restoration, the country is, undoubtedly, experiencing a transition that cannot be easily reversed. Young people are particularly impacted by these changes as guaranteed employment is no longer provided and those job categories that can be exercised in the rapidly growing non-state sector typically do not include the professions to which educated youth aspire. This article provides an overview of the process of economic reform to date, outlines the complexities and controversies that accompany it, and suggests that Cuban young people are increasingly prepared to exercise the option of leaving Cuba in search of work. To be considered a success the economic reforms must, among other accomplishments, convince educated young Cubans that they can meet their aspirations on the island.
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Notes
Piñeiro Harnecker 2010
Farber (2011)
Fernándes 2006,