IF YOU WANT, YOU CAN? FEAR OF FAILURE AND ITS RELATION TO THE EDUCATIONAL TRAJECTORIES OF YOUNG, UNDERPRIVILEGED UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN CHILE

Abstract

To fail is to not meet achievement expectations at a specific moment. This article analyzes the fear of failure that arises in young people due to the real or potential risk of not fulfilling the promises of social rewards offered by the Chilean university system. Using a qualitative approach, the narratives of 18 students in highly feminized careers at medium and low selectivity universities in Chile were examined. The results showed that the students respond to fear with determination. Instead of giving up, they confront possible failure and develop strategies to overcome it, demonstrating agency and perseverance.

Keywords:

FEAR OF FAILURE, YOUTH, HIGHER EDUCATION

Author Biography

Brigitte Ortiz

Socióloga y Magíster en Ciencias Sociales, mención Sociología de la Modernización, Universidad de Chile. Estudiante Diplomado Metodologías para la acción comunitaria con jóvenes, Universidad de Chile. Áreas de interés: juventudes, género, educación superior y segregación social. Correo electrónico: brigitte.ortiz@ug.uchile.cl