Primary public education in the northwest of Minas Gerais in the early 20th century: the conditions of the schools in the backlands

This article problematizes the spatial distribution and conditions of primary public schools in the northwest of Minas Gerais during the early decades of the Brazilian republic. We use the theoretical and methodological framework proposed by Veiga (2022), which addresses the socio-racial division of education through unequal school provision. We observed that the public authorities privileged the School Group, located in the urban area, described in the documentary sources as an isolated and exceptionally civilized point. On the other hand, evidenced by the closure of schools, the lack of furniture and teaching materials, the absence of teachers, and the rarity of visits from educational authorities, we observed the neglect of public education for poor and black children living in the vast region then characterized as a wild sertão, including from a racial criterion.

Keywords:
Paracatu; history of education; black people; educational inequality