social class
In Brazil, there are clearly defined social class lines since the early 50’s due to the huge difference between the rich and poor, based overall on the people’s monthly household income.
The poor make up the largest percentage of the population in Brazil, and are often seen trying to offer services to people along the streets or roads, such as protecting cars when drivers pay them.
The class structure overlaps into race, but it cannot be blamed on racism. Therefore, it is untrue to say that all the poor are non-white and all the wealthy are white.
It is difficult for anyone to advance or change their social levels, regardless of their race. The main reason is due to the educational system. However, only the rich can afford education for their children, as they only have 2 options: attend public secondary schools, pass the entrance examination and get into free universities, or go to expensive private universities.
How social class affects lives:
Education Levels
Education Levels
Some children do not get good quality education due to the states they are living in. Primary school education is compulsory, but the are amenities and resources are maintained by the states they occupy. Therefore, children in wealthier cities have better facilities and learning environment compared to children in the poorer counterparts. Poorer children will hence receive a lower quality of education.
Some children are unable to attend school because of malnutrition. Due to poverty, their family are unable to provide sufficient food for their children’s growth. The children are then unable to develop intellectually or adjust to the social environment in school.
Another reason why poorer children do not get an education is because of child labour. Although it is illegal for children under 16 to be working, parents still want them to go out to the workforce to earn money instead of staying in school. This is a vicious cycle that will eventually repeat itself: when the children grow up, they will also make their children join the workforce, since they themselves do not know the importance of education. Child labour would then never be eradicated. One example is only 53% of adults aged 25-34 have earned the equivalent of a high school degree. However, the education level is improving slowly over the years.
Occupation:
Geographic Location
Some parts of Brazil, such as the North, Northeast and Central-West regions (except Brasília), are predominantly people from Classes D and E.
Some parts of Brazil, such as the North, Northeast and Central-West regions (except Brasília), are predominantly people from Classes D and E.
However, social class difference are not obvious in some large cities such as São Paulo and Brasilia. This inequality can also be seen in the same neighbourhood - an upscale building is located beside a run-down area. These parts of Brazil have people from all 5 classes. One contributing reason may be due to many people migrating to these places, resulting in a large increase in population and decreasing job opportunities.
Infant Mortality Rate
Infant mortality rate (IMR) is directly proportional to sanitation, education and financial income of the family. Since poor families do not have such comforts, they have a high IMR.
Infant Mortality Rate
Infant mortality rate (IMR) is directly proportional to sanitation, education and financial income of the family. Since poor families do not have such comforts, they have a high IMR.