Postgraduate Education in Ecuador: Labor Advantages and Persistent Gaps Compared to Undergraduate Studies
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29076/issn.2528-7737vol19iss50.2026pp17-29pKeywords:
Ecuador, educational inequality, higher education, postgraduate studiesAbstract
This study analyzes the differences in living and working conditions among Ecuadorians aged 25 to 64 who have completed undergraduate or postgraduate education, using data from the 2022 Census. The observed disparities are not solely explained by educational attainment but also by variables such as age, gender, ethnic background, place of residence, and access to technology. Individuals with postgraduate education tend to hold more stable jobs, enjoy better working conditions, and are more frequently employed in sectors such as education, healthcare, and public administration. They also report greater access to digital tools, which enhances their professional opportunities. However, structural barriers continue to limit the progress of historically marginalized groups, including Indigenous peoples, Afro-Ecuadorians, and rural populations. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the persistent inequalities in Ecuador’s education and labor systems, highlighting the need for public policies that promote a more inclusive, equitable, and technologically integrated higher education system.
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