UNIVERSITY AND THE ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS IN A GREEK PROVINCIAL TOWN -A BOTTOM-UP PERSPECTIVE

The study, carried out in a Greek provincial town, focuses on the cult ural meaning of university education and of participation in;he extrem ely competitive entrance examinations to university. In spite of gradu ate unemployment, in relation to the labour market a university degree is seen as giving more possibilities. Also, the transition to univers ity and the degree that follows are rewarded by the community with pre stige a:nd status. Moreover, gaining admission is also important in it self in relation to the individual's wish to achieve something with he r/his own strength. Finally, taking part in the examinations is seen a s being of the utmost importance in relation to the local values. Rega rdless of the outcome, it allows the participants to realize a particu lar set of values among which the 'duty to struggle' seems to occupy, for historical reasons, a central place.