Participation in Adult Learning: System Characteristics and Individuals’ Experiences

Ellen Boeren*, Sofie Cabus, Alan Mackie

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterAcademic

Abstract

Research on participation and inequality in adult education and training shows ‘system characteristics’ play a key role in restricting access to young adults with low levels of education. This chapter focuses on what advantages an inclusive policy on lifelong learning has for society as a whole. Structural barriers mean that an opportunity (or desire) to participate is not equally distributed, yet some low-educated adults do participate. From them we can learn how barriers can be lowered. Initiatives under the EU’s Youth Guarantee and Upskilling Pathway programmes are analysed across nine countries, representing different welfare regimes and approaches to adult education. Learners’ and staff experiences are broadly similar across programmes and countries. Participants’ motivation and confidence are key to success, pointing to the need for individual support.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationLifelong Learning, Young Adults and the Challenges of Disadvantage in Europe
EditorsJohn Holford, Pepka Boyadjieva, Sharon Clancy, Günter Hefler, Ivana Studená
PublisherPalgrave Macmillan
Pages87-113
Number of pages27
VolumePart F3438
ISBN (Electronic)978-3-031-14109-6
ISBN (Print)978-3-031-14108-9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2023

Publication series

SeriesPalgrave Studies in Adult Education and Lifelong Learning
VolumePart F3438
ISSN2524-6313

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