Affirmative action and racial identity in Brazil: A study of the first quota graduates at the State University of Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

In 2003, the State University of Rio de Janeiro (Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro-Uerj) was one of the first Brazilian universities to admit students based on a racial and social quota system anchored in an affirmative action program. Research on a sample of quota students was undertaken in 2006-2007. This chapter examines the students' quota options as well as their racial identities: Black, Brown, unknown, and White. While for many the formation of their racial self-classification started in their own homes, for others their racial self-classification has changed over time-especially after they entered university-by distancing themselves from the White and morena categories. Thus, quota options and racial identity are not necessarily the products of genetics but are the result of interpretations students have made of the representations of their ancestries and life histories.