Rethinking “Educación Diversificada” for Afro-Descendants in Costa Rica

Abstract

Costa Rica is a Central American country known for its commitment to education and environmental conservation. Educación Diversificada in Costa Rica refers to a system of education that offers a variety of options and programs, seeking to accommodate the diverse interests, needs, and abilities of students. Despite these efforts, challenges remain, including limited funding, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of awareness among students and their families about the benefits of a diversified education. Nevertheless, there is a growing consensus that a diversified education system is crucial for the long-term development and competitiveness of Costa Rica. This paper provides an overview of the variations in educational attainment in Costa Rica and points to differences in socioeconomic status (SES) as a significant contributor to disparities in academic success. However, historically, the research suggests multiple dimensions of inequality and captures relevant but limited aspects of this phenomenon. Research is needed that will comprehensively illustrate the critical factors that impact educational success for people of African descent in Costa Rica and how these factors combine to affect the economic success of Afro-Costa Ricans. Immigration and migration history, for example, have been important predictors of the educational success of Afro-descendants in Costa Rica. Further research is needed to highlight the complex ways in which SES, race, migration, and immigration combine to affect educational success. Fully capturing the role of race in education also requires examining the conditions under which racial discrimination in education persists. The paper identifies research priorities in all these areas. Keywords: Ethnic and Racial Studies, Education, Costa Rica, Social Anthropology, Social Sciences, Afro-Descendants DOI: 10.7176/JEP/14-4-07 Publication date: February 28 th 2023