Education and Territorial Inequalities: The Portuguese Case

• Type: Chapter or Part of a Book
• Date: 2026

Authors

Santos, Helder (Author) FLUP; Maia, Catarina (Author) FLUP; Ferreira, Márcio (Author) FLUP; Torres, Marcelo (Author) FLUP; Marques, Teresa Sá (Author) FLUP

Book

Title: Compromised Geography : spreading a New World

Pages: 67-91

ISBN: 978-3-032-05200-1 (hbk); 978-3-032-05203-2 (pbk)

Electronic ISBN: 978-3-032-05201-8

Publisher: Springer Cham

Indexing

Crossref

Other information

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-05201-8_5

Abstract (EN): The aim of this research is to contribute to a territorial understanding of inequalities in education, both in terms of access and of attainment. These socio-spatial inequalities appear in the distribution of educational resources and in school, family and local contexts, creating a territorial mosaic of inequalities. The focus of the analysis is on the period when the country was under severe pressure due to the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2022). To achieve this goal, a multidimensional methodological proposal has been developed at the municipal level, using context-based information on schools, families and places. It also includes indicators for analysing resilience and existing territorial vulnerabilities. In terms of findings, we highlight the fact that great progress has been made in Portugal in recent decades in terms of access to education and combating school failure, and that we have identified spatial inequalities or injustices, providing useful information for reflection on territorial policies aimed at strengthening educational quality, equity and resilience.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific