It is common for people residing in Cuba, once they begin school, around age 6, and as they progress from one educational level to another, to join social and mass organizations. First the Pioneers, then at age 14 social and mass organizations, and later student organizations.
Once they enter the workforce, they join the only union in the country, the organization that represents their professional sector. Most don't have an assigned role within it, but they pay dues.
The rule is that everyone is integrated into several of the country's unique social and mass organizations, according to their educational level, professional sector, or specific interests. Their social and professional lives, and those of their families, depend on this integration and on participating in patriotic, political, and military activities.
“Revolutionary integration” violates freedom of association, which includes the right not to be forced to join an organization. It is a requirement for obtaining a university degree, employment, or career advancement, where membership in political organizations is also demanded.
State institutions, including schools, require and verify this. Sometimes they do so on their own initiative, other times through a company subordinate to the Ministry of the Interior, Security and Protection, or criminal investigation agencies, which coordinate with social and mass organizations.
For example, the leadership of the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR), in the event of an investigation, provides information about private and intimate life and opinions, in many cases personal and subjective, which are then used by the prosecution.
In addition to personal details, court rulings also state whether the accused person participates in activities "organized or programmed by mass organizations" or publicly expresses disagreement with socialist principles. This determines whether they are considered a good or bad person.
“Revolutionary integration” is the mechanism of social control that allows the political group in power to establish systems of rewards and punishments. Those who do not join these organizations for religious reasons or who publicly express opposing political views are condemned to job insecurity, isolation, and social discrimination.