Rates of Educational Attainment in the Afro-descendant, Indigenous and Mestizo Populations: Review of Some Exclusion Factors

Abstract

This article is the result of the research Rates of Educational Attainment among the Afro-descendant, Indigenous and Mestizo Populations and the Review of Some Exclusion and Inclusion Factors (Gaete, 2014). This article studies the 10th National Population Census and applies some quantitative measures in an attempt to establish the educational attainment of individuals of aboriginal and Afro-American descent, in contrast to that of the mestizo population (uncritically labeled as “white”). Additionally, educational exclusion factors are explored such as geographical location of the populations of interest and insertion of under-aged population in the job market. Since this study has an exploratory scope, it is intended to give practical and conceptual inputs to delve into the social and educational exclusion theme. Statistical analysis conducted offers a view of the fact that ethnic and cultural identity, as well as geographic location (at a provincial scale) do not seem to be determining factors of educational and social exclusion. On the contrary, explanations must be sought in the circular character of poverty that determines low educational attainment, which in turn determines access to low-level jobs. In this sense, this study suggests that early insertion in the job market is a key exclusionary factor.