Adult education as social policy: a view from Portugal

In this article, the author explores the ideological basis of state policy through an analysis of education as social policy. He examines the evolving role of adult education in Portugal from the 'progressive social democratic model' established after World War II to the creation of the National Agency of Adult Education and Training in 1999. Concerned that citizenship can be taken over by an economistic agenda, the author argues the need to 'insist on the ethical revaluing of lifelong education, training and learning based on a concept of learning which is socially responsible and sustainable'.

In this article, the author explores the ideological basis of state policy through an analysis of education as social policy. He examines the evolving role of adult education in Portugal from the 'progressive social democratic model' established after World War II to the creation of the National Agency of Adult Education and Training in 1999. Concerned that citizenship can be taken over by an economistic agenda, the author argues the need to 'insist on the ethical revaluing of lifelong education, training and learning based on a concept of learning which is socially ...  [+] Show more