Public Policies in Higher Education in Brazil: From Hollow Inclusion to Social Transformation through the Curricularization of University Extension

Brazilian higher education has recently emphasized the curricularization of university extension, mandating the integration of extension activities into undergraduate curricula to foster social engagement and inclusion. This article critically examines the policy’s historical, legal, and theoretical foundations, highlighting its potential to address “hollow inclusion,” a phenomenon where formal commitments to equity and community engagement remain superficial. Drawing on Paulo Freire and Boaventura de Sousa Santos, the study employs a qualitative, document-based analysis of constitutional provisions, regulatory frameworks, and key theoretical texts. Findings reveal that while the legal framework is robust, implementation is hindered by entrenched academic culture, structural limitations, and inadequate resources. The study concludes that achieving meaningful curricular integration requires institutional support, faculty training, and genuine dialogue between universities and communities, ensuring extension fulfills its transformative educational and social mission.