The elitism of public universities in Brazil:

the challenges of retention for the underclass and the striver

Abstract

The present article aims to understand how the idea of meritocracy is constructed within the middle classes, based on a reconstruction of Jessé Souza's perspective on social classes, and its relationship with the admission processes of Brazilian universities but, more importantly, the challenges faced by lower classes in remaining in public universities. Thus, the paper synthesizes Jessé Souza's studies on social classes in Brazil, briefly exploring his theoretical assumptions. Furthermore, it addresses the concept of meritocracy prevalent among the middle classes, drawing from this reconstruction of Jessé Souza's ideas. Finally, the article seeks to connect these conceptions with the difficulties faced by lower classes in sustaining their presence in public universities in Brazil, analyzing data and articles. In essence, the study examines the close relationship between social classes, meritocracy, and the perpetuation of an elitist public higher education system in the country.