Survival Strategies and Economic Illegalities in Cuba

Various types of economic illegalities as well as underground economic activities occur in all countries. In Cuba, however, public policies and structural economic forces have promoted these phenomena significantly. Indeed, Cuba appears to be awash with economic illegalities. Some of these are quickly apparent to the average visitor. Many Cuban citizens insist that almost everyone is involved in economic activities that are considered illegal by the state— though these often do not appear to be unethical to the perpetrators. One might say that there is a pervasive culture of illegality in the Cuban economy and society at this time.