O que jovens em contexto de vulnerabilidade sócio-econômica de uma cidade do interior do Rio Grande do Sul pensam sobre trabalho e futuro educacional e profissional

Abstract

The transition from high school to university or to work is marked by uncertainties. When cultural and economic obstacles are present, a situation lived by young people from low-income communities, this transition is still more difficult. This dissertation is organized in two studies that explored the perspective of young high school students about work and the transition to the universe of work. More specifically, it aimed to identify how students perceptions and expectations about the world of work were related to their professional and educational life projects for the future. Participants were 200 students from both sexes that attended two public schools located at low income neighborhoods in the city of Santa Maria. Study 1 focused on participants ideas about work. Study 2 addressed students perceptions about their possibilities of entering the labor market. Participants answered a questionnaire with open and closed questions concerning ideas about work, occupational future and perceived barriers to enter the labor market. Data were analyzed by means of content analysis. Both studies showed that work is perceived as an important aspect of future life, being asociated with the ideas of self-sustained living and independence from the family of origin. Respondents also had the expectation of attaining self-realization trough work. Nonetheless, they also recognized that economic constraints may be a barrier to achieve their educational and career aspirations.