Sociocultural dimensions of the effects of school dropout on the social situation of youth

Abstract

Introduction: This article consists of a theoretical review on school dropout in Higher Secondary Education and its effects on the youth social situation. Objective: Develop a systematic review of research on the social situation of youth in relation to the effects of high school dropout. Methodology: A bibliographical-methodological systematization of theoretical and empirical research in the educational field in Mexico and other Latin America countries was carried out. Through a comparative matrix, the following were contrasted: approaches, theoretical perspectives, results, effects, counterpoints and distinctions. In this way, five sociocultural dimensions were categorized as consequences of school dropout in youth. These dimensions are: economic-labor, social vulnerability, adult centrism, criminal processes and gender social norms. 86 research products were considered. Results: The results show negative social effects in all the referred dimensions, particularly youth unemployment, loss of job opportunities, social labeling or stigmatization, discrimination, low expectations for the future, lack of social mobility, influence of adult-centric activities, youth maternity and paternity, ascription of young people to organized crime, occupational segregation by gender, academic disaffiliation, among others. Conclusions: The greatest contribution of the research was to make visible the main negative effects of desertion and identify different facets in greater detail within sociocultural factors, for which the reconceptualization, reinvention and transformation of the baccalaureate level is substantial, with the purpose of retaining students in schools and generating training options for the active participation in the social sphere of youth in Mexico and Latin America. At present, youth training processes are of significant importance for the present and future of a humane and supportive society.