Experiences of those from less privileged social class into academic careers

• Grant number: 24/20833-1
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: June 30, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Applied Social Sciences - Administration - Business Administration
• Principal Investigator: André Luis Silva
• Grantee: André Luis Silva
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Economia, Administração, Contabilidade e Atuária (FEA). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Diversity has been a focus of global policies and debate, with academia being called to be part ofthis movement of political recognition and appreciation of differences. However, when thediversity in academia is focused on social class issues, we know little about the experiences ofthose from less privileged social classes into academic careers. As we know, social class is astrong foundational axis of power in processes of social mobility and inequality reproduction, associal classes affect opportunities and organise society in a social scale with different levels,such as: populations' employment levels, average wage, and power of consumption. In addition,intersectionalities of social class, educational level and social mobility, may also expand theknowledge on the challenges related to the inclusion in society as a whole, which includesacademia. This research project has its central assumption that social class contributes to remaina real barrier into elite positons, especially for those involved in intellectualized works, such asacademic careers. It is because people from less privileged backgrounds do not get the qualifiededucational opportunities early on. Through qualitative interviews with 40 people, this researchproject aims to develop theory about the experiences of professors from less privileged socialclasses in academic careers. Embracing social class diversity into academic careers cancontribute to the identification of facilitators and barriers faced by people from lower classes intoacademic careers, which can inform potential interventions to make universities more inclusive. (AU)