Costly Opportunities

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The book delves into social mobility and class integration in Colombian higher education through a forgivable loan program for 40,000 high-achieving students from disadvantaged backgrounds. It introduces concepts like 'gate opening' and 'diversified networks' to challenge traditional inequalities. Using a longitudinal ethnographic approach, it highlights students' experiences forming cross-class friendships while navigating educational and social challenges. The significance of their prestigious degrees varies in different labor markets, particularly affecting first-generation students facing cultural and social capital barriers.