The article starts by analyzing the evolution of the literacy rate in the successive generations represented by Brazilian censuses of 2000 and 1950, attempting to highlight both the state and the dynamics of inequalities in terms of literacy in the perspective of their crossed relation with urban and rural areas and with genders. It then turns to find theoretical elements that can explain such inequalities. Its main results are the following: the large landed estate is the main structural determinant of illiteracy in rural areas; in numerical terms illiteracy is becoming a predominantly urban problem; the historical male superiority in terms of literacy and schooling is giving way to a growing female superiority both in urban and rural areas.
Literacy; Schooling; Rural and Urban Areas; Gender; Brazil