Similarities Between Cuba And The United States

This paper discusses the similarities that women face in both Cuba and the United States. Although the countries’ political structures are different, be it democratic and communism, both Cuban and American women have been fighting towards total gender equality. Thus, patriarchy is the common factor in both countries and limits women in political representation and the work force, while in turn limiting men themselves in having a role in the “home life”.
There is a stigma that resides in the minds of the citizens of democratic countries that communist regimes are vastly different in terms gender equality; perhaps it is the prejudices that date back to World War II and the Cold War. Just like America, other countries face gender inequalities
Women were expected to perform more domestic chores than their husbands who were spending more time at work due to the implementation of a more socialist society. This began a transition into similar expectations that American women had to uphold to as well, such as staying at home, cleaning, caring for the children more so than their husband counterparts. After several years of making up labor for the country, the FCW was established and this helped change society for women after the 60s (Nazzari). This liberated women from their “patriarchal norms.” At the same time, economic development was needed and so were women. Castro called for more nurseries and cafeterias to be built in order to help feed and house children during the day (Nazzari). This allowed for women to join the workforce once again and start making choices for themselves regarding their education and place in society. Since then, Cuba has been a place not of restriction, but opportunity for
The civil rights movement was in full gear and the country was working towards finding equality for races and also women. In 1969, Shirley Chisholm, New York state representative, addressed the Speaker of the House on the state of women’s opportunities and equalities. She not only was able to articulate the importance of equality for women but also equality for black women because she was the first black woman elected to Congress. At this time, only 2% of women occupied managerial positions in the workforce even though women outnumbered men by more than 3.5 million (Chisholm). Although it felt like America was moving forward in terms of equality, the country still experiences these marginalized differences