Adult Learning and Technology in Working-Class Life

Peter Sawchuk

ISBN 10: 0521817560 / ISBN 13: 9780521817561

Published by Cambridge University Press, 2003

About this Item

Druck auf Anfrage Neuware - Printed after ordering - To date little is known about the everyday activities that make up the majority of people's learning lives. This book presents a critical approach to learning using situated learning and activity theory, drawing on the writings of Marx, Gramsci, Marxist-feminists, as well as the sociology of Bourdieu. Though many have demonstrated that schooling and adult training are deeply affected by issues of social class, this book explodes the myth that everyday learning, despite its apparent openness and freedom, can be understood as class-neutral. Based on life-history interviews, selected ethnographic observations in homes and factories, large-scale survey materials as well as microanalysis of human computer interaction, the analysis explores learning across the various spheres of 'working-class life'. The author draws on his own experience as a factory worker, labour educator and academic to offer the most detailed examination of computer literacy and lifelong learning practice amongst working-class people currently available.

Seller Inventory # 9780521817561

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Adult Learning and Technology in Working-Class Life
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication Date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521817560
• ISBN 13: 9780521817561
• Binding: Buch
• Condition: Neu
• Dimensions: 235W x 157H x 21D millimeters 235 millimeters width by 157 millimeters height by 21 millimeters depth
• Weight: 596 grams

About this title

Synopsis

This book explores the hidden world of everyday learning in the lives of manufacturing workers from a social perspective. It challenges the myth that everyday learning, despite its apparent openness and freedom, can be understood as class-neutral. Based on life-history interviews, selected ethnographic observations in homes and factories, and large-scale survey materials as well as the microanalysis of human-computer interaction, the analysis follows learning across the spheres of "working-class life" and draws on the author's personal experiences as a factory worker and academic.

Book Description

This book explores the hidden world of everyday learning in the lives of manufacturing workers in Canada from a social perspective with a focus on computers. It explodes the myth that this everyday learning, despite its apparent openness and freedom, can be understood as class-neutral. Based on life-history interviews, selected ethnographic observations in homes and factories, large-scale survey materials as well as microanalysis of human computer interaction, the analysis explores learning across the various spheres of 'working-class life.' Drawing on personal experiences as a factory worker and academic, the author offers the most detailed examination of learning amongst working-class people currently available.