ABSTRACT:
This paper discusses some social aspects associated to the choice of the Licentiate in physics in two higher education institutions: UFSM and UFRGS. First, the results concerning the places where the competitors studied before are presented. It is observed that most of the students studied in public schools during high school. After, the origin of the families of these candidates was analyzed. In relation to schooling, most of these candidates are from families that parents have, in general, high school degree. Regarding to economic issues, it can be said that these candidates come from less favoured social classes. Our results suggest a certain pattern in the profile of candidates who are pursuing the Licentiate degree in Physics in the institutions that we analyzed.
Keywords:
Sociology of Education; Pierre Bourdieu; Physics Teaching