A universidade na trajetória dos parlamentares brasileiros

this article was written within the framework of a research about the relationship between college education and the legislative in some latin american countries (particularly brazil and argentina). it examines the way in which college education contributes to increase the political capital of brazilian deputies and senators as well as the importance of college studies in the career of the members of the legislative. therefore, the article examines the speeches of congress members in 2006 sessions, observing their references to college education and their experiences in the academic field. the article provides evidence to sustain that college graduates are largely overrepresented in brazilian congress; that college education is appreciated by parliamentary elites - allowing them to play a role in the distribution of the internal power in congress; and that such education is a significant element in the making of the symbolic capital of those members.