Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 1 of 1
Full-Text Articles in Architecture
Exploring The Cultural And Infrastructural Impacts Of Consumerism On The New Cuba, Grace Stainback
Exploring The Cultural And Infrastructural Impacts Of Consumerism On The New Cuba, Grace Stainback
Hatfield Graduate Journal of Public Affairs
This paper seeks to explore how a shifting economic model and an increasing influx of U.S. tourism, customs, and products will impact consumerism and waste in Cuba. The paper begins by charting the rise of an unwitting conservationist culture among Cubans, built out of necessity as a response to Castro-era economic hardships. This is followed by a discussion of recent Cuban economic reforms and the rise of tourism, private enterprise and material luxury in Cuba. For the emerging autonomous economic class who have shouldered decades of scarcity, the social and economic values of consumerism far outweigh any perceived environmental cost. …