Educational Experiences and Aspirations of Secondary School Students of Different Social Class in Valparaíso, Chile: Similar Aspirations, Unequal Conditions

Abstract

This research looked into the educational experiences and aspirations belonging to high school students of different social classes in the city of Valparaíso, aiming to reach a better comprehension of socio-educational inequality in Chile. Based on a qualitative methodology, we formed several focus groups with working, middle and upper class students according to the type of school they attended. Our findings show that high school students from the three social classes build up similar educational and occupational aspirations despite their different socioeducational experiences relative to their social origin. Finally, we discuss the utility and scope of the social class concept in the study of socioeducational inequality.