The José Martí Youth Movement: Resistance, Adaptation, and Legacy in contemporary Cuba

Abstract

The José Martí-inspired Movimiento Juvenil Martiano (MJM), a pillar of instilling patriotic values ​​among Cuban youth, faces challenges adapting to socioeconomic and digital changes. Empirical research (19892024) analyzes its development using a mixed approach (interviews with 30 youth leaders, document analysis, and a quantitative assessment of participation between 2015 and 2023), assessing its effectiveness as a tool for political socialization. The findings indicate significant contradictions: only 40% of youth are actively involved, with an evident territorial disparity (65% in urban areas versus 35% in rural areas); despite a 140% increase in its online presence, interaction remains low, suggesting superficial activism; furthermore, centralization impedes its adaptation to the local environment, which is exacerbated by the lack of contextualized resources (60% of rural educators report this). Three approaches to its reinvention are suggested: decentralization of operations (strengthening local committees), innovation in teaching (interactive offline formats and co-creation with young people), and qualitative assessment (metrics for a critical understanding of Martí's legacy). It is essential to overcome hierarchical models and link ideology to contemporary issues (employment, migration) to ensure its viability.