College Access Expectations among Young People from Low-income Sectors in Bogota

Abstract

The strategies young people from low-income sectors in the Usme District of Bogota use to gain access a college education are explored in this article. Interviews and focus groups were conducted from a qualitative methodological perspective with the graduates surveyed by Romero (2009), who expressed a desire to enter college upon finishing high school. The study found that aspirations are important in implementing strategies to move up the educational pyramid, but are not the principal driving force. Social origin and regulation of the educational field are crucial when it comes to young people realizing their expectations and producing the habits and practices required to do so. It also was found that students who do make it into college pursue their studies as part of a family project that requires three strategies: first, assuming the project as a family commitment; second, dismissing the absence or shortage of capital supporting them; and, third, betting on will, effort and sacrifice, since access to college is an obstacle course.