Palavras-chave
Ensino secundário; Brasil Imperial; Desigualdade social
Autores
Abstract
This research analyzes the “reverse sides of modernization” in Brazilian secondary education during the nineteenth century. We highlight the coexistence of modernizing proposals with the reproduction of social and regional inequalities. Grounded in the New Cultural History (Chartier, 2002) and based on documentary research, we examine the Pombaline legacies, the role of independent and preparatory classes, and the creation of Colégio Pedro II in 1837. Despite the incorporation of modern elements, such as modern languages (especially French, which was compulsory), the structure of secondary education remained exclusionary and oriented toward the elites. The analysis of regulations, ministerial reports, and historiographical studies demonstrates that the discourse of the diffusion of “Enlightenment” ideals was unevenly appropriated, reinforcing distinctions. We conclude that nineteenth-century educational modernization, although present, did not overcome barriers to access, thereby deepening social and regional disparities in Imperial Brazil.