Being an adult learner in austere times : exploring the contexts of higher, further and community education

This book examines the experiences of adult learners in times of austerity. The power of adult education to transform lives is well known, and it is especially powerful for those who missed out on educational opportunities earlier in life. Those who have been successful learners in the past are more likely to continue their education and training, making extra support and funding ever-more important: however, in the current economic and political climate, support for adult learning is significantly decreasing. This book sheds light on the experiences of adult learners, despite the difficulties facing the sector: interweaving empirical discussions with theoretical debates, the editors and contributors demonstrate the challenges and struggles of adult learners in higher, further and community education. This enlightening edited collection will be of interest to all those involved in adult education as well as policy makers and funders. Ellen Boeren is Lecturer at the Moray House School of Education at the University of Edinburgh, UK. She is also an active researcher in participation in adult lifelong learning activities. Nalita James is Senior Lecturer in the School of Education at the University of Leicester, UK. Her research interests centre in the sociology of education, encompassing access to higher education, the changing patterns of education, and adult education and lifelong learning. Front Matter ....Pages i-xi Adult Education in Austere Times: An Introduction (Nalita James, Ellen Boeren)....Pages 1-19 Being an Adult Learner in Europe and the UK: Persisting Inequalities and the Role of the Welfare State (Ellen Boeren)....Pages 21-45 The Message or the Bottle? Community, Associationism and Adult Learning as “Part of the Process of Social Change” (Sharon Clancy)....Pages 47-70 Keeping Going in Austere Times: The Declining Spaces for Adult Widening Participation in Higher Education in England (Lindsey Fraser, Kerry Harman)....Pages 71-95 Mature Students and Social Isolation: Being Excluded or Choosing to Be Alone? (Charlie E. Sutton)....Pages 97-122 Subjects in Formation: Women’s Experiences of Access to Higher Education Courses and Entering Higher Education (Sherene Meir)....Pages 123-149 Further Educations: Transformative Teaching and Learning for Adults in Times of Austerity (Vicky Duckworth, Rob Smith)....Pages 151-177 Adult Education in Community Organisations Supporting Homeless Adults: Exploring the Impact of Austerity Politics (Katy Jones)....Pages 179-198 Conclusions and Recommendations (Ellen Boeren, Nalita James)....Pages 199-210 Back Matter ....Pages 211-218