Dinâmicas de desenvolvimento da educação superior na região oeste de Santa Catarina (1968-2015)

Abstract

This master's dissertation presents the results of a research that aimed to understand the dynamics of development of higher education in the western region of Santa Catarina. The research analyzes the expansion ocurred from 1968 to 2015. The Western Region is the largest, from the geographical point of view, among the six mesoregions of Santa Catarina, and comprises 118 counties. The study aims to: i) relate the main policies (national and state) that focused on the process of expansion and internalization of Brazilian higher education; ii) understand the dynamics (political-economic-social) present in the process of expansion and internalization of higher education in the western region of Santa Catarina; iii) to locate the main institutions and actors (social, educational) who exercised leadership in the process of expansion and internalization of higher education in the western region of Santa Catarina; iv) systematize the main indicators of Higher Education in the region regarding the distribution and expansion of higher education institutions. From the methodological point of view, the research can be defined as descriptive nature and uses quantitative and qualitative procedures and techniques. A bibliographic and documentary research was developed through books, articles, theses, dissertations, reports, documents and information obtained in institutional websites. A research was based, mainly, on the use of data from INEP, IBGE, Plataforma Sucupira, Plataform GeoCapes, the visit to the websites of Higher Education Institutions and requests for information by e-mail. Much of the INEP data was obtained through the a big data table available by agency. The study shows, among other conclusions, that in the dynamics of the development of higher education, in the Region of the study, five cycles are clearly shown. It was possible to identify the factors and actors that allowed the emergence and expansion of higher education in the Region, as well as policies that focused on the process. The data show, briefly, an increase in the diversity of higher education institutions in the Region, an increase in the external diversity of higher education institutions, expansion of the private sector, expansion of distance education, an increase female presence in higher education, and also, that there is space for graduate growth.