Why more education doesn’t necessarily lead to poverty reduction? A preliminary case study of poverty traps in Colombia ; ¿Por qué más educación no conduce necesariamente a la reducción de la pobreza? Un estudio preliminar de las trampas de la pobreza en Colombia ; Porque é que mais educação não conduz necessariamente à redução da pobreza? : Um estudo preliminar sobre as armadilhas da pobreza na Colômbia

In the late 20th century, Colombian economists identified a strong link between education and poverty reduction. However, despite a significant expansion of educational coverage, poverty levels have not declined as predicted. This problem extends beyond Colombia and has prompted the development of economic theories, focusing on factors such as early school dropout, market imperfections, increased uncertainty, and the costs of education, all of which contribute to the enigma of poverty traps. Methods: Using a quantitative approach, the research analyzes the relationship between educational attainment, employment opportunities, and socioeconomic background of the younger population. In addition, it explores the drivers of labor market inequality, with particular emphasis on social class divisions and the role of social networks in shaping access to employment. Results: Preliminary results highlight a persistent disconnect between increased education and labor market integration among Colombia's poorest youth. The study identifies a clear association between social class segregation and differential access to employment, accentuating the influential role of social connections in obtaining job opportunities. Conclusions: This research unveils the complexities surrounding poverty traps in Colombia, elucidating why improved education has not translated into the expected reduction of impoverished. It underscores the imperative need to take an in-depth look at the policy challenges facing the country. By addressing the barriers to labor market access for the most vulnerable, this study contributes significantly to the broader discourse on the intricate relationship between education and poverty reduction in Colombia. The findings are also relevant for other countries facing similar challenges and offer valuable insights for policymakers and researchers alike. ; A finales del siglo XX, los economistas colombianos identificaron un fuerte vínculo entre la educación y la reducción de la pobreza. Sin embargo, a pesar de una ...