Social Origin, Skills, and Graduates’ Formal Employability in Brazil

Authors

  • André Vieira Fluminense Federal University
  • Maria-Ligia de Oliveira Barbosa Federal University of Rio de Janeiro

Keywords:

Latin America & the Caribbean, social inequality, social origin, employability, skills

Abstract

This article explores how family background and skills affect the job prospects of Brazilian college graduates. Using national data on graduates with formal jobs four years after graduation, the study finds that high-achieving students from lower-income families are more likely to secure jobs than their wealthier peers. However, students from wealthier backgrounds and those with specific skills related to their field of study often land better jobs.

Author Biographies

André Vieira, Fluminense Federal University

André Vieira is assistant professor at the Fluminense Federal University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. E-mail: andrevieira@id.uff.br.

Maria-Ligia de Oliveira Barbosa, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro

Maria-Ligia de Oliveira Barbosa is associate professor at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. E-mail: mligiabarbosa@ufrj.br.

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Published

2025-01-13

How to Cite

Vieira, A., & de Oliveira Barbosa, M.-L. (2025). Social Origin, Skills, and Graduates’ Formal Employability in Brazil. International Higher Education, (121), 12–13. Retrieved from https://ejournals.bc.edu/index.php/ihe/article/view/18827

Issue

Section

Articles