Political Economy of Adult Learning Systems: Comparative Study of Strategies, Policies and Constraints

Description

Based on comparative adult education statistics offered by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Survey of Adult Skills (PIAAC) and country case studies, this book analyses the policies and structures that foster adult learning. It examines a variety of forms of adult learning, ranging from initial forms of post-compulsory education, such as upper secondary tracks and tertiary education, to firm training, compensatory adult education and learning for civic and leisure oriented purposes. Throughout the book, adult learning systems are directly linked to a variety of structural and public policy frameworks using a comparative welfare state approach. Themes such as pathways to learning and transition systems, participation patterns in higher education and participation patterns in other organized forms of adult learning are covered. The countries discussed are the UK, the USA, Korea, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Germany and the Netherlands. Situated at the intersection between scholarship and policy and using a mixed-methods approach, this title contributes fundamental insights into the further study of policies and structures related to alternative post-compulsory learning pathways. Title Page Copyright Page Contents Acknowledgements List of Figures List of Tables List of Abbreviations Introduction Part One The Political Economy of Adult Learning Systems Chapter 1 Adult Learning Systems in Context Chapter 2 The Embeddedness of Adult Learning Systems Chapter 3 Coordination Problems in Adult Learning Systems Part Two Case Studies of Adult Learning Systems Chapter 4 Denmark Chapter 5 Finland Chapter 6 Norway Chapter 7 The Netherlands Chapter 8 Germany Chapter 9 The United Kingdom Chapter 10 The United States Chapter 11 Korea Part Three Cross-National Patterns Associated with Adult Learning Systems Chapter 12 Patterns of Participation Chapter 13 Patterns of Outcomes Chapter 14 Patterns of Coordination Conclusion References Index