In this article, in a historical perspective, the authors discuss the symbolization of the female figure in the social imaginary in relation to a teaching career, based on the practices of teacher training, professionalization and co-education,. Since colonial times, the education of females in Brazil has always been permeated with expectations…

The aim of this article is to compare the schooling levels of individuals with the demands of the Brazilian labour market. The results demonstrate the high probability of compatibility between occupation and schooling levels. But high propensities for under-education were identified associated with skin colour and position in family. The results…