The Perception of Fidel Castro’s Image as a Cuban Icon

In January 1959, Fidel Castro assumed power after overthrowing the current dictator Fulgencio Batista. Castro caused radical changes within Cuban society, especially with social issues such as women’s rights, and gender relations. These changes have been beneficial as well as bad for Cuban society.

One of the biggest changes with women’s lives was schooling. In 1960 schools were created for young women to be educated. They developed skills, confidence and hygiene skills. (Doc 2) This increase in education caused improved illiteracy rates, and more active womens. (Doc 8) Women in Cuba encouraged these changes because it allowed their children to attend school away from home (Doc 7) The source of this is a Cuban mother being interviewed by a US journalist. However this could be bias because Fidel Castro could have influence in her answers, as well as the fact that she is a mother and her daughters are attending school for free so she sees the benefits to it. Before Castro took over, Women’s roles were domestic and they did not attend schools such as the ones created in the 1960’s.

This schooling allowed women to break into the workforce, and black women got jobs in areas other than servantry. (Doc 2) This change lead to equal rights for women, and advancement in their career development. The source of this was a pro castro, pro revolution feminine politician (Doc 7) Castro also influenced a strong independence movement for women as well as equality to men. Castro is a strong advocate for the change in Women’s lives. Before Castro, son’s were freed when they became adults, however women were also under the rule of men. These conditions did not change until 1959. (Doc 1) This also could have been bias because she is a socialist and a feminist which is the backing for her views and she could have exaggerated her ideas. The changes allowed for more opportunities for women, they no longer were subject to occupations such as prostitution or became mistresses. With Castro’s takeover they became independent, free and equal. (Doc 4) This source is also subject to bias. It comes from a 12 year old daughter of a revolutionary. Meaning, her parents are revolutionaries who support Castro’s rule and changes. So their ideas and views on the issue influence their daughters ideas. Castro believed the fight for equality was not over and needed to continue. In order to stay in power, he needed love from his country. This kept women liking Castro. (Doc 5) These are the changes in women’s lives post-1959, before it was much different.

However, there is also an argument against these changes in women’s lives. One woman who was attending school became pregnant and she was expelled. When the baby was born it did not even have a mattress to sleep on because she was not allowed to buy one without a certificate for her baby. She did not have enough soap for her clothes, and because of government swimming pool put in at a private residence on her block, she did not have enough water either. She was not given equality when it came to maternity leave. (Doc 6) Some women even worked double what they did before. Working at their job during the day, and attending to domestic work once they get home. (Doc 10)

Gender relations also went through some tension as well. There were tensions between men and women over household work and who was responsible for it. Because before, men went to work and women stayed at home, but now because both are going to work there is work to be done at home. (Doc 10) There was also resistance by me and old people who did not want the changes. They were accustomed to the way it was and in their minds it worked, and when Castro took over he shook their culture up. (Doc 6) One document that would be nice to see to address this question would be another anti-castro document such as an interview with an older man or women