Adult Education in Changing Times: Learning at the Nexus of Life, Work, and Transitions

This insightful book explores adult learning at the intersection of a rapidly changing world of work and society, and the personal, lived experiences of individuals navigating these shifts. It illuminates the social dimensions of adult learning in the contemporary era, highlighting the challenges and opportunities of being able to thrive in times of change.

Each carefully curated chapter presents theoretical insights, empirical findings, and diverse perspectives on adult development across the life course, drawing from historical, cultural, and social contexts to enrich the discourse. Throughout, the authors explore the concept of “liquid modernity” as a lens to understand the complexities of learning and work, presenting innovative frameworks to rethink and redefine these interconnected dynamics. They challenge traditional assumptions about lifelong education and invite readers to see learning differently than it was understood in more predictable times. By focusing on the dynamic interplay between social contexts, life events, and lived experiences, the book provides a nuanced understanding of adult learning as a process shaped by the evolving demands of work and society.

This book is an essential resource for researchers, educators, and policymakers, as well as anyone who supports adult learners. Offering profound insights into the ways adults navigate learning, work, and life transitions, it outlines a way to allow adults to flourish in an ever-changing world.

The Open Access version of this book, available at http://www.taylorfrancis.com, has been made available under a Creative Commons [Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives (CC-BY)] 4.0 license.

Michael Bernhard is a researcher and lecturer in the Department of Adult Education and Lifelong Learning at the Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany.

Stephen Billett is Professor of Adult and Vocational Education, Griffith University, Australia.

Christiane Hof is Professor of Adult Education and Lifelong Learning at the Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany.

Katrin Kraus is Professor of Vocational and Adult Education at the University of Zurich, Switzerland.

Victoria J. Marsick is Professor of Adult Learning and Leadership, Department of Organization & Leadership, Columbia University, Teachers College, USA.

Peter H. Sawchuk is Professor of Adult Education and Workplace Learning at the University of Toronto, Canada.