WOMEN, HIGHER EDUCATION, LABOR MARKET AND SOCIETY: AN OVERVIEW

ABSTRACT

Brazilian society is undergoing some changes, but can we speak of equal conditions for both men and women? The objective of this article is to present a theoretical study about female participation in Brazilian society, giving special attention to higher education and the labor market. Statistics are presented to compare and discuss female and male data on: academic choice; the average number of hours devoted to work activities and domestic/family activities; and the average remuneration in the labor market. The results point to different patterns - according to gender - in the choice of higher education and in the assumption of responsibilities related to domestic tasks. In addition, the data show that predominantly male areas offer higher wages and prestige, nevertheless women earn less when performing the same tasks. We conclude with reflections on the factors that, even today, lead to gender differences in society.

Keywords:
higher education; woman; gender; academic choice; labor market