Permanecer ou desistir? uma análise sociológica da assistência estudantil na UEMA campus Caxias

Abstract

This study analyzes student assistance policies at the State University of Maranhão (UEMA), Caxias campus, focusing on the retention of students in situations of socioeconomic vulnerability. Based on Pierre Bourdieu’s theoretical framework, the concepts of habitus and cultural, social, and economic capital are used to understand the dynamics and challenges of student assistance and how public policies can mitigate inequalities and promote educational equity. The research adopts a mixed approach: qualitative, with interviews that reveal students' perceptions, and quantitative, through the analysis of official notices and institutional data. The results indicate that, although housing, financial aid, and meal assistance play a fundamental role in academic retention, their implementation still faces limitations, particularly in terms of accessibility. The main challenges identified include excessive bureaucracy, insufficient vacancies, and failures in institutional management. It is concluded that, although student assistance is an essential tool for addressing social inequalities, its reach is still limited by the lack of a broader approach that considers the multiple social and structural factors affecting student retention. For student assistance policies to fulfill their role in promoting equity, it is necessary to rethink their structure and operation to ensure they more effectively address the diverse socioeconomic realities of the students who depend on them.