Conceptualizing Lifelong Learning Participation - Theoretical Perspectives and Integrated Approaches

Abstract

This contribution argues the need for participation research in adult education. It reviews leading theoretical viewpoints to understand who does or does not participate in adult education including psychology, economics, sociology and organisational sciences. It then integrates these different theoretical explanations into a comprehensive lifelong learning participation model. This new approach highlights the need to study participation through the lenses of interacting stakeholders at the individual, organisational and governmental level.