Dados is one of the most widely-read social sciences journals in Latin America. Created in 1966, it publishes innovative works, originating from academic research, by Brazilian and foreign authors. Edited by IESP-UERJ, it aims to reconcile scientific rigor and academic excellence with an emphasis on public debate based on the analysis of substantive issues of society and politics.
Dados vol. 54 n. 1 Rio de Janeiro 2011
Abstract
This article analyzes inequality of educational opportunities and outcomes in Brazil. The findings corroborate those of previous studies, pointing to persistent inequalities related to race and class in the Brazilian school system. However, the analyses indicate that parents' wealth and type of school (public, Federal, or private) are fundamental factors for explaining persistent inequalities. Parents with higher socioeconomic status invest in private elementary and secondary schools for their children in order to facilitate their progression in the system. In other words, in addition to inequality related to family characteristics, inequality is promoted by the educational system itself. The article presents sensitivity analyses to explain the possible effect of unmeasured variables, as well as a methodology to show the effect of educational transitions on inequality in educational outcomes. The author concludes that in order to promote access to educational progression, Brazil needs to improve not only the quality of its schools, but also the living conditions of Brazilian families.
Keywords: inequality, education, wealth, social stratification
DOI: 10.1590/S0011-52582011000100002
Inequality of opportunities and educational outcomes in Brazil
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