Educational Drought Among Brazilian Children and Young Adults Living in Favelas

Tyler Ashby

Summary

Favelas are the result of a history of colonization, slavery, and urbanization in Brazil. These communities lack basic services and public investment which has led to an educational drought among children and adolescents living in favelas. While primary education is compulsory in Brazil, the inefficiencies in the schooling system result in high rates of grade repetition and dropouts. Gang activity and violence, lack of infrastructure, and cultural attitudes have further perpetuated educational deficiency and are the foundation of major barriers towards educational prosperity. While the reasons behind lack of education in Brazil are complex and tangled, the consequences of lack of education are equally messy. Limited economic growth, dismal mental and physical health, and complete lack of social cohesion are a few of the many problems that rampage through favelas with direct causation rooted in educational deficiency. Solving this issue is still a topic for debate and study; however, income transfer programs have proven to be a mostly effective way to spark an increase in educational aptitude and attendance rates among impoverished communities.

Key Terms

Favela - A slum or shantytown located within or on the outskirts of the country’s large cities, especially Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. A favela typically comes into being when squatters occupy vacant land at the edge of a city and construct shanties of salvaged or stolen materials.

Dropout - A student who withdraws from school before completing course requirements for graduation and who is not enrolled in an education program approved by the state board of education or an education program outside the state. "Dropout" does not include a student who has departed the country.

Child Labor - Work that deprives children of their childhood, their potential and their dignity, and that is harmful to physical and mental development. It refers to work that:

is mentally, physically, socially or morally dangerous and harmful to children; and/or

interferes with their schooling

Cultural Attitudes - The long lasting beliefs, feelings, and behavioral responses towards social objects such as other people or issues established in response to a person's culture-the ideas, customs, beliefs, values and social behavior of a particular group of people or society that are passed on from generation to generation. Attitudes can either be positive or negative.

Inadequate Schooling - A state where people have a below-average level of common knowledge about basic things that they would urgently need in their daily life. For instance, this could include basic knowledge in math, writing, spelling, etc.

Educational Infrastructure - The civil structure, superstructures, classrooms, laboratories, library, playfields, facilities and amenities provided for students.

Social Capital - The networks of relationships among people who live and work in a particular society, enabling that society to function effectively.

Income Transfer - A redistribution of income and wealth by means of the government making a payment, without goods or services being received in return.

Context

Q: How much of Brazil’s Population lives in Favelas?

A: According to the 2010 Census, about 6% of Brazil's population live in favelas or shanty-towns - around 11.25 million people across the country, roughly the population of Portugal. However, there could be even more living in these communities. Rocinha is Brazil's largest favela and unofficial estimates say it has up to 180,000, compared to the census figure of just 70,000. The expansion of the favelas - and their irregular and unregulated nature - means that these areas often lack basic services and public investment.

Q: Where did Favelas come from?

A: The Portuguese arrived in the early 16th century and brought with them colonization and slavery as they established an economy based on sugar plantations. Over the next four centuries, Brazil imported around four million African slaves. The country maintained slavery longer than any other country in the Americas, abolishing it only in 1888. The abolition of slavery and the proclamation of a Republic in the late 19th century resulted in a large number of impoverished former slaves being pushed onto the streets, homeless and unemployed. The history of Rio’s favelas can be traced to this moment of transition. Newly freed slaves were forced to build temporary shelters near whatever work they could find. Yet, it was the great wave of migration from the countryside to the cities between the 1940s and the 1970s that was primarily responsible for the proliferation of favelas.

Housing in favelas generally began with makeshift structures fashioned from wood scraps and daub, but over time more durable materials such as brick, cinder blocks, and sheet metal, were used. The lack of infrastructure, though, meant improvised and hazardous plumbing and electrical wiring. Often water had to be carried great distances and waste disposal was rudimentary. As a result of the crowding, unsanitary conditions, poor nutrition, and pollution, disease became rampant in the poorer favelas, and infant mortality rates were high.

Q: How did child labor become institutionalized in Favelas?

A: “Children of the street“ is the name given to the young people growing up in favelas. They have little to no access to public or private education, because more than 50 percent of people living in Favelas are unemployed. Therefore, child workers, far more in demand for menial jobs, earn for their households instead of going to school. A 1995 survey of households in Brazil reported that almost five million children between the ages of 10 and 14 were working.

Q: How does discrimination affect those living in a Favela?

A: Brazilian economist Valerie Pero found that a favela resident needs to complete twelve years of schooling to equal when a non-favela resident earns after only six years of education. In addition, jobs requiring unskilled, manual labor are increasingly scarce. Ergo, some jobs are simply unavailable to those who live in favelas.

Discrimination is unapologetically rampant. For favela residents, the following story is all too common: the interview might go extremely well, but as soon as one’s address is revealed to be in a favela, the interview is over, and the position is mysteriously no longer available. Janice Perlman’s (Professor of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of California-Berkeley) quantitative data reinforced this finding. Being “from a favela” was the most frequently mentioned basis for discrimination, outpacing skin color, appearance and gender. In light of this reality, it is unsurprising that despite the increasing educational levels, 50 percent of all residents in Perlman’s study remain unemployed.

Q: Legally speaking, what is the school setting like in Brazil?

A: Primary education covers in Brazil grades 1 through 8 and it is compulsory for ages

7 to 14 years. It comprises four years of elementary education and another four

of intermediate education. Enrollment rates are high, with almost 100 percent of

children starting the first grade. However, the inefficiency in the country’s schooling system is also often highlighted, since it presents lower rates of actual school attendance than enrollment, and very high rates of grade repetition. In 1997, 23 percent of the students in the primary education system were bound to repeat a grade at the end of the school year, and another 4 percent dropped out. As a result, the gap between age and grade is large, and high enrollment rates do not translate into high completion rates or into a high level of schooling by dropouts.

Contributing Factors

#1 - Favela Violence and Gang Activity

The extreme violence that people living in favelas face every day is a serious issue that affects their daily lives. In favelas, violence has become a daily reality that affects all aspects of life, including education, work, and health. This violence is often caused by drug-related crime and gang activity, and can take the form of shootings, kidnappings, and other acts of brutality; it is often a result of the competition between criminal groups for control of drug trafficking and other illegal activities. The violence is not only physically dangerous, but also creates an environment of fear and instability, with residents living in constant worry for their safety. This fear is further compounded by the limited presence of law enforcement in favelas, making it difficult for residents to seek protection and justice. The impact of this violence is not limited to physical harm, the presence of weapons and armed groups in favelas creates a sense of insecurity and fear that makes it difficult for residents to participate in community activities and can negatively impact their mental and physical health. In other words, The high levels of violence in favelas are not only a threat to the physical safety of residents, but also to their mental health, with many experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Gang activity is a major contributor to the extreme violence that people living in favelas face every day. Gangs often control large portions of these communities and engage in criminal activities such as drug trafficking, robbery, and extortion. These gangs often compete with each other for power and influence, leading to violent conflicts and turf wars. The limited presence of law enforcement in favelas aggravates the situation, as gangs are able to operate with relative impunity. Beyond lack of law enforcement, the violence in favelas is often exacerbated by the ineffective and abusive practices of law enforcement, which undermines the trust and cooperation of residents and can lead to further violence. The general use of firearms and other weapons by gang members only adds to the level of danger faced by residents. This widespread use of firearms in favelas has led to a significant increase in homicides, especially among young people, who are frequently caught in the crossfire of gang conflicts. Gang activity not only creates an environment of fear and instability, but also undermines the social fabric of favelas by promoting a culture of violence and criminal behavior. The impact of gang activity on the daily lives of those living in favelas cannot be overstated, making it a critical issue that must be addressed to improve the well-being and safety of these communities.

The violence in favelas makes it very difficult for Brazilian adolescents living in these communities to get an education. The high levels of violence in favelas, including gang activity, police brutality, and violent crime, create a hostile and dangerous environment for students, making it difficult for them to attend school and concentrate on their studies. Students may face physical danger on their way to and from school, making it difficult for them to attend on a regular basis. The fear and stress caused by the violence can also have a negative impact on students' ability to learn and focus in the classroom. I.e. the exposure to violence… can lead to behavioral and emotional problems among students, which can negatively impact their educational performance and well-being. This, in turn, can lead to high dropout rates and low levels of literacy, perpetuating the cycle of poverty and violence in favelas.

#2 - Educational Infrastructure and Government Systems

The inadequate educational infrastructure in favelas significantly hinders educational opportunities for children living in these communities. Firstly, the lack of investment in schools and educational facilities in favelas results in subpar infrastructure and limited access to basic resources like books and technology. Additionally, the lack of trained and qualified teachers in favelas means that students receive a low-quality education, further hindering their chances of success in higher education. Furthermore, the limited resources and technology available in these schools make it difficult for students to keep up with the increasingly technology-focused curriculum. Despite government efforts to improve access to education in favelas, the majority of these communities continue to suffer from inadequate educational infrastructure. Schools in favelas are often overcrowded and under-resourced, lacking basic amenities such as safe and functioning buildings, adequate lighting and ventilation, and sufficient instructional materials. This lack of infrastructure makes it difficult for students to learn and for teachers to provide an effective education. The insufficient educational infrastructure in favelas is a major barrier to the educational success of children living in these communities.

This problem is perpetuated by the education system within the Brazilian government. Brazil provides a free education for all those from age 7 to 17; in fact, all public universities are also free, with all these programs being funded by the government. This system appears helpful at first glance, but is actually a death trap for those in Favelas. Because of the substandard educational infrastructure in favelas, the education children receive there is quite meager. Public universities in the whole of Brazil only accept around 250,000 new students each year, and, in Brazil, the public universities provide the highest quality education. When we combine these two factors, it is no wonder the competition to be accepted into a public university is fierce. Ergo, the intellectual skills required to get in simply will not be developed at primary schools located in Favelas. Over 95% of all students at the free public universities are classified as middle and high income students. Meaning that almost everyone who will eventually receive a free university education would have been able to pay for higher education, and everyone who actually needs a free education is left with no education because they can’t afford the expensive rates of private universities. As private universities provide no scholarships because of the already given opportunity of a free public university, and free public universities are almost entirely populated by the upper class. As a cause of this cyclical and destructive pattern, the lower class of Brazil continues to face educational fragility-especially those living in Favelas.

#3 - Cultural Attitudes that Promote Child Labor

Child labor is a persistent problem in Brazil, with a large number of children being forced to work instead of attending school. A significant factor contributing to this problem is the cultural attitudes and beliefs that exist within the country. There is a widespread belief in Brazil that children should contribute to the family's income, and that this is a normal and acceptable part of growing up. This cultural norm, to prioritize work over education, is reinforced by the high poverty rates in many areas, which make it difficult for families to make ends meet without relying on the income of their children. In many cases, children are forced to work long hours in hazardous conditions, with little protection from the government or from employers. The widespread acceptance of child labor, combined with poverty and limited economic opportunities, has made it difficult to address this issue and to ensure that children have access to education and are protected from exploitation. This is to say, inadequate enforcement of child labor laws and insufficient resources for labor inspection and enforcement in favelas are major challenges in efforts to eliminate child labor. As a result, Despite progress in recent years, child labor remains a pervasive problem in Brazil, particularly in rural areas and among marginalized communities.

The cultural norms that promote child labor in Brazil have a significant impact on the educational opportunities of young people in the country. Children who are forced to work are often unable to attend school, which deprives them of the chance to receive a quality education and limits their future prospects. In truth, child labor not only deprives children of their right to an education, but also undermines their physical, social, and emotional development. The long hours and hazardous conditions of child labor negatively affect the health and well-being of these children, further hindering their ability to learn and succeed in school. The impact of child labor on education in Brazil is particularly significant, as children who work are more likely to drop out of school. This widespread belief that children should contribute to their family's income, combined with poverty and limited job opportunities for adults, creates pressure for children to leave school and enter the workforce. This cultural norm is further reinforced by the lack of value placed on education, with many families and communities viewing work as a more practical and immediate solution to financial difficulties. As a result, many young people in Brazil dropout of school at a young age in order to work and support their families.

Negative Consequences

#1 - Limited Economic Opportunity and Slow Economic Development

Individuals who complete secondary education are more likely to secure well-paying jobs and improve their living standards. However, only 31% of adolescents in Brazil complete secondary education, and only 15% of individuals living in favelas in Rio de Janeiro complete higher education. This highlights the significant education gap that exists in the country and particularly in favelas. Unsurprisingly, the unemployment rate for individuals without a high school diploma in Brazil was 18.4% in 2020, compared to 11.3% for those with a high school diploma. For those living in Favelas this statistic becomes even more worrisome as the majority of individuals living in favelas in Brazil who do have a job work in the informal sector, with limited access to job security and social benefits such as health care and other basic needs. This evidence suggests that lack of education is a significant barrier to accessing job opportunities, better living conditions, and higher wages in the country. Consequently, a lack of education among Brazilian adolescents living in favelas has resulted in limited economic opportunities and reduced social mobility. Due to inadequate education, many young people are unable to develop the necessary skills to secure well-paying jobs, leading to a cycle of poverty and social exclusion. Investment in education is a key driver of economic growth and development in Brazil, with every additional year of education leading to a 10% increase in individual earning potential. However, currently, there is no emphasis being put on education as the key to economic repair. Because of this, limited economic opportunity further perpetuates social inequality, with a small percentage of the population enjoying the benefits of economic growth, while the majority of the population remains mired in poverty with very limited education.

The lack of education among adolescents living in favelas also contributes to a lack of innovation and entrepreneurship, further hindering economic development. Lack of education is a major barrier to entrepreneurship in Brazil, with individuals who have completed higher levels of education being more likely to start businesses and generate employment opportunities. Individuals with higher levels of education have a greater understanding of market dynamics and are better equipped to navigate the challenges of starting and running a successful business. Entrepreneurship is a key force of innovation and competitiveness in capitalist economies (Brazil is capitalist), with new ventures introducing new products, services, and business models that disrupt established markets and create new opportunities for growth in all areas of the economy. Furthermore, inadequate education also results in limited access to simple financial resources, such as loans, which could be used to start businesses and stimulate economic growth. In short, education is fundamental in entrepreneurship, and entrepreneurs are the building blocks of a successful economy; the poorer the education the poorer the economy. Without adequate education and training, young people are unable to fully participate in the economy and contribute to economic growth.

#2 - Decreased Social Cohesion and Violence

The lack of education among adolescents living in Brazilian favelas has a significant impact on social cohesion in these communities. Education is a key factor in the development of social skills and values, which are necessary for individuals to form strong relationships and build trust with others. Subsequently, education is positively correlated with social capital and social cohesion, with better-educated individuals being more likely to engage in social and civic activities. Without access to education, adolescents in favelas are more likely to engage in negative behaviors, such as drug use and violence, which can harm the social fabric of the community. It is also notable that social capital, which is essential for building strong relationships and promoting social cohesion, is significantly lower among individuals living in favelas than those living in other urban areas. In addition to the negative impact on individual behavior, the lack of education can also contribute to a breakdown in community relationships. Adolescents who do not have access to education may be less likely to participate in community activities and events, leading to a sense of isolation and disconnection from others. Subsequently residents of favelas report lower levels of trust in government institutions and less participation in civic activities. This can make it difficult for community members to work together and solve common problems, such as crime and poverty, which can further undermine social cohesion and create a vicious cycle of poverty and disengagement.

The lack of education amongst Brazilian adolescents in favelas is also heavily linked to a rise in violence within these communities. In São Paulo favelas, individuals with less than four years of education were 13 times more likely to engage in violent behavior than those with at least eight years of education. One of the primary reasons for this is that education provides individuals with skills, knowledge, and opportunities to improve their economic prospects, which can reduce the incentive for engaging in criminal activities. Without access to education that promotes critical thinking, empathy, and social responsibility, individuals may adopt violent attitudes and behaviors as a means of resolving conflicts or asserting power. Inadequate education can also lead to a sense of panic and frustration, which can manifest as violence. This is especially true for adolescents who face systemic barriers such as poverty, discrimination, and marginalization. These individuals may feel as though they have no other option but to turn to crime to survive or to gain a sense of power and control over their lives. Adolescents who dropped out of school are more likely to engage in drug trafficking, theft, and robbery… with dropouts representing 70% of those involved in drug trafficking. Moreover, the lack of education also means that many adolescents in favelas are vulnerable to recruitment by gangs and criminal organizations. These groups often target young people who lack education and opportunities, offering them a sense of belonging, protection, and financial gain. In such situations, education can serve as a protective factor, reducing the likelihood of involvement in criminal activities. As we discussed previously, the lack of education also limits individuals' ability to participate in democratic processes, voice their concerns, and advocate for their rights. This lack of agency and representation leads to frustration and a sense of disenfranchisement, which can fuel unrest and violence.

#3 - Physical and Mental Health Complications

A lack of education amongst Brazilian adolescents in favelas can have negative impacts on their physical health. Adolescents living in low-education, high drop-out areas (specifically favelas) were 40% more likely to be hospitalized than those living in areas with better education. Studies have found that adolescents with low levels of education are at higher risk for chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension. In addition, adolescents who drop out of school are more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as drug and alcohol use–the use of cigarettes or other smoking devices more than doubles for individuals who drop out–which can have negative effects on their health. Lack of education can also limit access to healthcare, as individuals with lower levels of education are less likely to have health insurance or seek out preventative care. This can result in delays in diagnosis and treatment for health conditions. Furthermore, poor educational attainment is associated with poor nutrition, as individuals with low levels of education may have limited knowledge about healthy eating habits; adolescents with low levels of education were more likely to have inadequate dietary intake of key nutrients.

The lack of education among adolescents living in Brazilian favelas mixed with the negative impact on social cohesion also contributes to mental health complications. Education is a crucial aspect of mental development and well-being, allowing individuals to develop critical thinking skills, enhance self-awareness, and improve their overall quality of life. Without access to education, adolescents living in favelas are more likely to experience mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Adolescents living in favelas who did not attend school were more likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety than their peers who attended school; Nearly 50% of the adolescents who do not attend school report symptoms of depression, compared to only 28% of those who are attending school. Adolescents may feel trapped in a cycle of poverty and hopelessness, which can result in feelings of despair and frustration and further contribute to mental health issues among young people. Notably, 60% of young people in favelas felt that they had no future prospects. This sense of despair can ultimately lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection from society, making it challenging for young people to form healthy relationships and maintain a sense of belonging. Sadly, but perhaps unsurprisingly, because of these factors suicide rates among adolescents living in favelas are nearly double the national average. Moreover, the lack of education opportunities can lead to decreased access to mental health resources and support, further exacerbating mental health issues. Among adolescents who have reported symptoms of depression, only 15% of those who did not attend school had received treatment, compared to 44% of those who attended school. In favelas, mental health resources are often scarce, and young people may not have access to mental health professionals or support groups. This can result in untreated mental health issues, which can further contribute to social isolation and decreased social cohesion.

Best Practices

Practice - Income Transfer Programs

The Bolsa Escola income transfer program in Brazil is a social welfare program that provides financial support to low-income families with school-aged children. The Bolsa Escola program was created in Brazil in the year 2000, as part of a broader set of social policies aimed at reducing poverty and promoting social inclusion. The program is aimed at providing financial support to low-income families with children between the ages of 6 and 17, who are enrolled in school. The program's primary goal is to increase access to education for children living in poverty, with the hope of breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty and promoting long-term economic and social development. The program is run by the Brazilian government's Ministry of Social Development and Fight Against Hunger (MDS), in partnership with other government agencies and local organizations. The cash transfers are distributed through a debit card system, which allows families to withdraw the funds at designated locations. To be eligible for the Bolsa Escola program, families must meet certain requirements, such as enrolling their children in school and ensuring their regular attendance, and keeping their children up to date on their health check-ups and vaccinations. The program also requires that families meet certain income criteria, which vary depending on the region of the country where they live. The amount of the cash transfer also varies based on the number of school-aged children in the family and their school attendance record. Families receive a base amount of money per child, with additional funds provided if the child's attendance record is satisfactory.

Impact

Since its creation in 2001, the Bolsa Escola Program has had a significant impact on education and poverty reduction in Brazil. According to the World Bank, between 2001 and 2010, the program helped to reduce poverty by 25% and extreme poverty by 50%, benefiting approximately 44 million people. Moreover, the program has had a positive impact on children's school attendance rates. According to a study by the Ministry of Social Development and Fight Against Hunger, school attendance rates among beneficiary families increased from 90% to 96% after the implementation of the program. The program has also contributed to reducing child labor in Brazil. According to a report by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the number of children involved in child labor in Brazil decreased from 8.3 million in 1992 to 3.3 million in 2015. This reduction has been attributed in part to the Bolsa Escola Program, which provides financial incentives for families to keep their children in school. The Bolsa Escola Program has also had positive impacts on health and nutrition outcomes for children. According to a study by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), the proportion of undernourished children in beneficiary families decreased from 20.4% in 2002 to 11.2% in 2009. The program has also had a positive impact on the overall economy of Brazil. According to a report by the Institute for Applied Economic Research (IPEA), the Bolsa Escola Program contributed to a 0.36% increase in GDP per capita between 2001 and 2002. While much of the research and many of the statistics about Bolsa Escola and Income Transfer Programs provide strong correlative data, further research needs to be done to prove direct causation.

Gaps

While the Bolsa Escola Program has had many positive impacts on poverty reduction, education, and health outcomes in Brazil, it also has some shortcomings and limitations. One of the main criticisms of the program is that its benefits are not always sufficient to cover the full costs of education and living expenses for low-income families. In 2021, the average monthly benefit per family was around R$190 (approximately USD$ 33), which is often not enough to cover the costs of transportation, books, and other school-related expenses. Another criticism of the program is that its implementation and monitoring have been subject to fraud and corruption. In 2020, an investigation by the Federal Court of Accounts found irregularities in the registration of beneficiaries and the distribution of benefits, leading to the suspension of thousands of accounts and the recovery of millions of reais. Moreover, the program has been shown to have somewhat of a limited coverage, with some estimates suggesting that millions of eligible families are not receiving the benefits they are entitled to. In 2019, the Ministry of Social Development reported that the program had approximately 13.5 million beneficiary families, which represents less than half of the estimated 30 million families living in poverty in Brazil. These concerns are exacerbated when considering that of the more than 15 million families still not receiving aid from Bolsa Escola, the majority live in favelas. Another criticism of the Bolsa Escola Program is that it does not address the root causes of poverty and inequality in Brazil. While the program provides important financial support to low-income families, and has been proven to improve attendance and drop-out rates, it does not address systemic issues such as limited access to education and job opportunities, unequal distribution of wealth, and structural racism.

Key Takeaways

• Brazilian favela communities lack basic services and public investment leading to high rates of unemployment and poverty perpetuated by educational drought.

• Gang activity and violence, as well as inadequate educational infrastructure and government systems, are major obstacles to the well-being and educational opportunities of residents in favelas.

• Education is fundamental in promoting economic growth and development, reducing social inequality, and improving the overall well-being of individuals and communities.

• Income transfer programs in Brazil have had a significant impact on poverty reduction, education, and health outcomes for low-income families with school-aged children; however, further research is needed to see if programs like these can be a viable long term solution for educational drought in favelas.