Secondary Education in Brazil: A System That Persists in Social Reproduction

This empirical research analyzes the transformation and expansion of secondary education in Brazil over the last decades. Despite the rapid growth in the rate of enrollment observed after 2005, factors such as income, ethnicity, urban-rural - are still strongly related to educational inequity process. Also in relation to the labor market, the Brazilian secondary education system appears to be extremely selective and responsive, with a low percentage of student workers accessing and remaining at that level of education. Another point to consider is the poor quality of education offered (as indicated by several national and international systems of evaluation). Finally, it also shows the crucial difference between public and private institutions. In conclusion, the research highlights the existence of a "perverse educational pyramid" (NEVES; RAIZER; FACHINETTO, 2007) in the country that- despite the policies and programs implemented in recent years, persists and reduces the social role of education, shaping a strong reproductive educational system.