FULL-TIME EDUCATION AS A STRATEGY TO REDUCE EDUCATIONAL INEQUALITIES: GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES ON EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

Abstract

This chapter aims to analyze full-time education as a strategy to reduce educational inequalities, discussing its contribution to promoting equity, inclusion, and social justice in a global context. The methodology is based on a literature review of authors such as Libâneo (2013), Saviani (2019), and Arroyo (2018), as well as international reports from UNESCO and OECD addressing full-time school policies and their impact on educational indicators. The results indicate that extended school hours support the holistic development of students, particularly in vulnerable regions, by expanding learning opportunities and access to socio-educational services. Furthermore, international experiences demonstrate positive impacts on reducing inequality, provided they are accompanied by structural investment, proper teacher training, and social support policies. It is concluded that full-time education, when aligned with intersectoral actions, is a powerful tool to promote a more just and equal educational system.