Penn State

Consortium forSocial Movements and Education
Research and Practice

Adult Education and Community Action: Adult Education and Popular Social Movements

Adult Education and Community Action: Adult Education and Popular Social Movements

Tom Lovett, Chris Clarke, Avila Kilmurray
2018
2018

Abstract

Originally published in 1982, this book discusses the role of adult education in social and community action. In particular it presents a critical assessment of 'community education' and the theories of Illich, Freire and Gramsci and it proves that there is a radical adult education tradition in the USA, Europe and North America which can offer many insights into the contemporary debate about the role of adult learning. The material is based on a decade of practical involvement in community action and education in Great Britain and Northern Ireland, where - despite deep political and religious divisions - community action has united Catholics and Protestants in a common resolve.

Abstract

Originally published in 1982, this book discusses the role of adult education in social and community action. In particular it presents a critical assessment of 'community education' and the theories of Illich, Freire and Gramsci and it proves that there is a radical adult education tradition in the USA, Europe and North America which can offer many insights into the contemporary debate about the role of adult learning. The material is based on a decade of practical involvement in community action and education in Great Britain and Northern Ireland, where - despite deep political and religious divisions - community action has united Catholics and Protestants in a common resolve.

Social Movements

Working Class

Keywords

Class, Community Organizing, Europe, Informal Learning, Nonformal Education, North America

Theme

Popular Education; Adult Education; and Social Movement Learning