Entremeio: trajetórias de estudantes bolsistas em escolas privadas

Abstract

This dissertation approaches the trajectory of six young people from popular classes who, through scholarships, attended high school in two private schools located in the Tijuca neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro. The central purpose of this research was to understand the meanings attributed by these young people to this experience, as well as measure the impact on their lives by entering more selective spaces. From the null hypothesis strategy suggested by Howard Berker, it was initially considered that the entrance of young people at private school environment happened smoothly and without major disputes or tensions. Through interviews with these young people and their respective adults responsible for their school career, the mainly positive sense assigned to this experience is highlighted, especially considering the possibility of entering college and the contact developed with a different environment form that found on their home and leisure spaces. Nevertheless, certain difficulties were noticed along the way, such as embarrassing situations inside the private schools and the intermediate place frequently occupied by these young people: they were considered “preppies” from their friend outside school, and “slummed” by those who shared the same school benches.