Abstract

AULI, Iván. Schooling and work in rural youth. An ethnographic research in San Juan Coyula, Oaxaca. Rev. latinoam. estud. educ. [online]. 2021, vol.51, n.1, pp.143-176.  Epub Oct 20, 2023. ISSN 2448-878X.  https://doi.org/10.48102/rlee.2021.51.1.201.

This article summarizes results of a research that analyzed the meanings of education and labor in a group of rural young people in Mexico. This research had an ethnographic approach; conducting indepth interviews and taking into account observations and field notes. The results show that for these young, “seeing friends” is the most important reason for attending school. In several cases, it has to do with “the lack of interest in studying” that causes absenteeism; hence, the result is dropping out of school. Besides, for young people, work is considered fundamental because it allows them to help their families. At the same time, work enables them to “have money”. For rural young people, work is more important than schooling. No more than a small group shows “interest in studying” because schooling will help them to get ahead and find better jobs; precisely, rural women aspire to overcome the gender condition they have in their community. The findings provide reflections to think about schooling in rural contexts.

Keywords : schooling and work; rural youth; students; young people; school experience; Mexico.