LE3 .A278 2011

2011

Sacouman, Jim

Acadia University

Master of Arts

Masters

Sociology

Sociology

At the heart of the Cuban system lies the people by whom and for whom the revolution was born 52 years ago. This thesis examines how Cuban citizens, (with the bulk of the research deriving from citizens of Havana, are working towards real democracy through a participatory system based on equality and equity by involving themselves in grassroots movements. The fundamental key concepts of this thesis are: a) bottom up vs. top down politics; b) grassroots/ local level activism; and c) building socialism in the 21st century, as it pertains to Cuba, and more specifically Havana. Specific examples that are examined under these three key concepts are: agriculture, music, education, as well as the health care system. A large majority of the people throughout Havana have dedicated their lives to the promotion of their community, their state, and their country, fostering the ability of people to contribute to their own as well as others self-emancipation. Cuba would not have achieved the various advances (despite the blockade and the collapse of the Soviet Bloc) had it not been for the citizenry which moves in mass, especially in times of crisis, in order to maintain everything they have dedicated their lives to building. Thus, there is also evidence that it is the people that is the true revolution, and the heart of real democracy in Cuba.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:209