MENTORING COMO VETOR DE MOBILIDADE SOCIAL EM COMUNIDADES DE BAIXO RENDIMENTO: EVIDÊNCIA QUALITATIVA NO ESTADO DE RONDÔNIA (BRASIL)

Abstract

This paper assesses whether mentoring can foster social mobility among low‑income individuals in Brazil, drawing on a qualitative study conducted in Rondônia. Semi‑structured interviews were held with mentors (n=3), mentees (n=9) and non‑mentees (n=8) selected through convenience sampling. The aim was to understand if and how mentoring contributes to the development of social, financial and entrepreneurial capabilities, and whether such capabilities translate into employment and income gains. Data were analysed via Bardin’s content analysis using an inductive‑deductive coding scheme and triangulated with relevant literature. We find that formal mentoring, often followed by informal follow‑up, is associated with reported gains in communication, self‑management and planning, alongside improved financial literacy (expense control, cash‑flow recording, savings) and basic entrepreneurial practices (value proposition, customer contact, operational organisation). Some mentees reported occupational transitions and higher earnings; nonetheless, structural constraints (territorial stigma, limited networks, labour informality) moderate both the speed and the magnitude of impacts. We propose a conceptual framework and design recommendations: measurable operational objectives, a curriculum centred on applied financial education and project‑based learning, ethically managed exposure to opportunity networks, and longitudinal monitoring. Limitations include a small non‑probabilistic sample, reliance on self‑report and the absence of objective income measures over time. We conclude that mentoring is a useful yet insufficient instrument on its own to change trajectories without complementary public policies in education, employment and financial inclusion.