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In this second working paper on the nature and context of adult and community learning (ACL), I adopt a critical stance towards the notion of radicalism often invoked in discussions of this type of learning provision. I explore current evidence which suggests that in practice the more radical aspirations of ACL have not often been realised, particularly in terms of state run provision. Rather, it is potentially this very construction of ACL as more radical than some of its counterparts in the learning and skills sector which may have instilled a sense of complacency, stifling rather than encouraging moves to integrate diversity. Whilst I point to some of the problems inherent in the theoretical underpinnings of radicalism and community, I do not discuss these in-depth here. These issues, along with recent research around radicalism and radical education more specifically are discussed further in a paper to follow. This paper focuses on highlighting and establishing the nature of the 'otherness' of ACL in the context of the learning and skills sector. This is of importance as it points to a number of broader political, social and economic trends which make integrating diversity sector wide particularly challenging.