The social representations of elementary and high school students were characterized in two Brazilian towns, during 1998-2000 years. The aim of this study is the analysis of the consequences of work among adolescents to their education. Data of free-evocation about work and education among 778 students, ages 11-18 years old were collected. Among the participants, 18 focus groups were chosen according to age and job status. The software ALCESTE 4.5, EVOC 1998 and SIMI 95 were used to perform lexical, free evocation and similitude analysis, respectively. Results showed students have different conceptions regarding the potentiality of the school as an institution. The school is perceived as a "pedagogic locus" or the "only choice to have a better way of life". In the former way, the school represented a place of promotion of human development, and in the latter, a function of social inclusion/exclusion. Working at early age is a risk of school exclusion, despite of being legitimated by youth's representations, sometimes accepting and justifying it.
Adolescent's work; School institution; Social representations; Social exclusion
