La mujer peruana en desarrollo. Un estudio sobre las mujeres en la educación superior en el Perú

Abstract

This analysis focuses on the development of the situation of the women in higher education in Peru from the 1950s to the present. More women are taking higher education now compared to before because of the development of the Peruvian State which has led to the socio-economic growth and changes in mentality. The State has greatly influenced the increase in choosing to take higher education and gender equality. This has made the Peruvian women in the present feel more independent and empowered compared to previously. It is nonetheless clear that the macho culture still exists in Peruvian society, making women face challenges such as being able to balance their personal and work life, and violence. Despite this, women today participate more than before in higher education, the labour market and politics. This indicates that the situation of women has changed a lot over the last seventy years and is still changing. This study investigates this development through academic literature and, more importantly, personal testimonies obtained through interviews with women from Lima, Peru. Qualitative data were obtained from sixteen participants from two generations in eight families in Peru, Lima to examine personal perceptions of higher education, the situation of women and to explore the changes in views in relation to these two topics between two generations.