Itinerários de escolarização e mediações subjacentes: A experiência de discentes beneficiários do Prouni

Abstract

In this article I analyze the social itineraries of students coming from families considered as part of popular classes, who benefit from Prouni. I discuss the process of constitution of meanings and of practical incorporation of principles which contributed to the constitution and feasibility of the acquisition of an academic title. This acquisition is conceived in a non-naturalized way, possible as a result of an interaction with mediators placed in institutional frameworks that go beyond the limits of the nuclear family. The formal-legal mediation structure of the Prouni agents is presented as fundamental. However, the process of retention and graduation is marked by many dilemmas, translated into both forms to relate with alterity and with financial issues. Getting a university degree represents the possibility to gain a better pay and valued profession and to be included in a group with higher prestige and social status.