The differential impact of the crisis on food security: the case of women during the Cuban economic crisis

Abstract

The recent Cuban economic crisis, mainly caused by the difficulties of the energy sector, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the “Ordenamiento Monetario” has had important implications on the food security of the island’s inhabitants, who have had to face food shortages and other phenomena across the board. However, although this situation has affected the general population, women have suffered the differential impact of the crisis, to the extent that it has reinforced their role in the home and has imposed greater burdens on them regarding care, including feeding the family, which they must guarantee even if it means sacrificing their own food consumption and well-being. Based on this, this essay seeks to ponder on the influence of gender stereotypes on the differentiated impacts of the crisis, which have significantly affected women. To this effect, it will first refer to the perspectives of the literature on gender stereotypes and crises; second, it will give a historical approach to the role of women in Cuba; third, the current Cuban crisis will be alluded to, delving into how it has brought important consequences to the population indiscriminately but with a greater impact on the population of women. Finally, the testimonies of women will be presented, demonstrating the differentiated impact of the crisis within homes.