First-generation students (F-GEN) in Brazilian higher education

Abstract

The paper addresses, based on international and national bibliographic research, the concept of first-generation student (F-Gen) and his/her characteristics as it applies to the Brazilian context. It takes into account the results of Enade (Exame Nacional de Desempenho dos Estudantes) (2015, 2016, 2017) on the profile of the student, providing some indicators about diversity in Higher Education access by examining degree completion of first-generation college student (F-Gen) while contrasting it with that of continuing college students (C-Gen). The paper concludes discussing the complexity of the concept of being first generation, while suggesting ways how it can be used in assessing college participation in higher education.